AJ06GT

Alright, so I'm going to need to replace the outer tie rods ends on my 97 GT, and I was just wondering about the brands. I've seen Moog ($39) suggested, but how does FRPP($25) compare, and TRW($28) gives you a lifetime warranty. Is there any reason for me to choose one over another? Any reason the Moog is so expensive, and is it a reason to buy it over something like TRW that gives a lifetime warranty?

I'm just finishing up my nearly $300 tune up parts list, after reading old threads all day about brands I feel pretty confident about most, but this is one I wanted to ask more about.

AJ06GT

Also, is there anything else I should replace while I'm at it? I'm at 78,000 on a 97. Should I replace anything to be safe, or just if it's showing a sign of going bad?

LX90

Check the ball joints as well, they should be ok, but if they are torn or do not move freely when you move them by hand, change 'em too. Maybe the bushing on the control arms and sway bar too. Might as well check the brakes and shocks while you're there. They may not need to be changed, but atleast you'll know. Find Tie rod ends you can grease yourself. If they claim to be internally lubes, or not servicable, stay away from them. Other than that, you're really just paying for the name. Tie rods have to meet certain regs anyway to be legal by the DOT. I wish my 98 had 78k miles on it, I have over 121k, but I've just replaced all the tie rods, ball joints, control arm bushing, and sway bar bushing. I bought it used so I wasnt too sure how it was taken care of, so I did it myself .

AJ06GT

Yeah, I know what you mean. I bought mine just recently, only one owner before me, and I know exactly how it was taken care of. Unless it was a regular service item, it wasn't touched. I'm doing a big tune up next year to change all the plugs, wires, belt, hoses, etc. The tie rod squeak is the only thing "wrong" with the car, it just has some maintenance that I need to catch up on.

96GT226410

I used Moog chassis parts for my tie rod ends. 2 years now and no problems. +1 on tie rod ends with zurc (grease) fittings.

AJ06GT

Yeah, that's what I think I'm going to go with. Thanks for the diagnosis too by the way. Once I get it up off the ground I'll go ahead and double check the control arms and all that too while I've got it up. Hopefully I can just stick to the tie rod ends though.

96GT226410

Fords are notorious for bad outter tie rod ends.

AJ06GT

So I've recently learned. That's what happens when you have an ungreased moving part.

GodAmGT00

So bad, that I drove on a slightly separated Outer tie-rod end for 2 years, 35,000 miles... [8D]


To be honest w/ you, the tie-rods aren't that bad... I think it's the stuff that people hit/run into that is the worst..


Steeda Outers/Bumpsteers FTW..




JT