Getting Cooper Zeon LTZ - Tie Rod alignment question

[Big Chief]

Hey guys,

So I'm going on my 2nd round of Cooper Zeon LTZ - 275-55-20 tires. I loved them the first time. I got 4 years on the dot and about 40,000+ miles. I probably could have got close to another year or 5,000 if I rotated more often. The front sidewalls started to ball pretty bad... and I got afew screws in one of them. Time to through in the towel.

Anyhow, my question.

My tie rods are shot (on a visual inspection - boots are torn to hell) and starting to get alittle sloppy steerring... so I was going to replace them BEFORE the tires. I'm not too familiar with the alignment process though. I assume I can replace them and get them "close" to the old spots... then everything will get adjusted on the alignment with the new tires? Does it work that way? Do tie rods get adjusted with alignment also? (I know, seems like a silly question)

The truck is 2004, 1500 5.7L. OEM tie rods. I replaced the upper and lower ball joints about 2 years ago... and did the same thing. Got them close, then brought it in for an alignment.

Thanks for any insights,

 

[NYCruiser]

Yes, they need to be adjusted. If you're gonna change them yourself, I would do it and count threads to get them close, then go get the tires and alignment as you are planning. If not doing them yourself, I'd get the tire/alignment shop to take care of them at the same time. Inspect the rest of the front end too while you're under there so you don't get any surprises when they try to align it. If the steering feels sloppy take a good look at the pitman and idler arms.

 

[Big Chief]

Thanks... Yes, I was planning on using the threads for reference on the reinstall of the tie rods.

For some (brain fart) reason, as I looked at the tie rods... being that they are adjustable with the threads... it dawned on me, as long as I get them close and only off by a hair any direction... it could be compensated in the alignment process. Just needed that confirmation.

Whole reason this came up, was that I know need tires. I was doing exactly as you mentioned and inspecting it all first. I know they are going to try to hit me up for the tie-rods... figured I could save a few bucks up front before I brought it to them.

Thanks,

 

[blk05hemi]

Thanks... Yes, I was planning on using the threads for reference on the reinstall of the tie rods.

For some (brain fart) reason, as I looked at the tie rods... being that they are adjustable with the threads... it dawned on me, as long as I get them close and only off by a hair any direction... it could be compensated in the alignment process. Just needed that confirmation.

Whole reason this came up, was that I know need tires. I was doing exactly as you mentioned and inspecting it all first. I know they are going to try to hit me up for the tie-rods... figured I could save a few bucks up front before I brought it to them.

Thanks,

Always best to install them yourself instead of the alignment shop overcharging you!

 

[usaf2006]

Is it hard to change them? And ball joints. Going to do mine in the spring asking with shocks all around. Never done them before. Any of it actually lol.

 

[NYCruiser]

It isn't too bad. Check out some video's on youtube. You'll need to have the right tools to make it easier.

 

[usaf2006]

It isn't too bad. Check out some video's on youtube. You'll need to have the right tools to make it easier.

That's always half the battle lol