inner tie rod tool

[Pete M]

so technically this is for rack and pinion steering systems for grabbing the smooth inner rod, but I just learned that this exists in the world and figured I'd share in case it has any use in the MJ world too.     

 

 

[AZJeff]

I must be a hillbilly.  I always use a pipe wrench.  Yeah, it makes small marks on the rod from the teeth in the jaws, but it's really easy to use, since it's self releasing when you turn the wrench backwards.

[derf]

10 minutes ago, AZJeff said:

I must be a hillbilly.  I always use a pipe wrench.  Yeah, it makes small marks on the rod from the teeth in the jaws, but it's really easy to use, since it's self releasing when you turn the wrench backwards.

Same here.  But a dedicated tool would be nice to have.

[Pete M]

do you guys live in the rust belt?  I've had times where the pipe wrench or the vice grips just weren't grabby enough to hold onto a round object.  I cannot wait to own this device.   just crank on the nuts a bit more until it stops moving.    then undo the nuts to free it. 

 

I sure hope it works in real life as well as it does in my head. 

[derf]

Protip:  When assembling your replacement steering parts, lube the threads with anti-seize.

[Pete M]

yeah, that's gotta be the most important tip ever  

[ghetdjc320]

That’s a neat tool! I always use vice grips

[54bobby]

i have one, it works.

[watchamakalit]

+1 for the pipe wrench. If someone criticizes me for wrench marks in my steering components I will promptly withdraw it from whichever museum it is in that day. Lmao

[derf]

I think that other tool may leave marks as well.  If you care that much you could always use a strap wrench or rubber covers on the jaws of the wrench.

[mjeff87]

That looks like a nifty little tool. Most OEM inners have flats on them to spin them off but replacements don't.  Pipe wrench is my usual go to, like others.  But I'm not beyond a good tool designed with some thought put into it for ease of service.

 

The older I get, the more I appreciate tools designed for a specific purpose.

[Chad R]

I don’t want to be a downer hear but that tool looks like something that is in the $4.99 bin at the discount parts store where it belongs.

[Pete M]

20 minutes ago, Chad R said:

I don’t want to be a downer hear but that tool looks like something that is in the $4.99 bin at the discount parts store where it belongs.

 

you're not that far off.  cheapest I've seen them online is about 10 bucks. 

[dante2]

Beats the hell out of this contraption. AZ rental tool used when I did the front suspension work on the 04 Libby. It works but very cumbersome to use effectively.