Bent TRA

JGBimle

Bought an X
Founding Member
Location
Altoona, PA
I have a bent passenger side TRA, I can snap a pic if needed, and would really like to replace it soon as my steering is pretty out of line due to it and I don't want my tires wearing bad. Should I just replace it with a stock TRA or are the AC heavy duty ones worth the upgrade with my 285/75R16's?

Also I couldn't really find much info on replacing it so is there a how to or can someone give me some tips?
 

JGBimle

Bought an X
Founding Member
Location
Altoona, PA
Id like to replace my bent TRA this weekend. Can anyone point me in the direction of a how to or some info on replacing it?
 

NMTerras

Suspension Lift
Location
New Mexico
Definitely get the HD TRA if you are running 285s. as far as a how-to...start with google: "How to replace tie rod assembly xterra" you'll find some helpful links.
 

granitex

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Columbus OH
!. chock the rear wheels and jack up the front corner of the truck
2. remove wheel on the side that you want to replace
3. loosten jam nuts while everthingtistill connected
4. remove cotter pins, and castle nuts.
5. use pickle fork, or rod end press to remove rod end from steering knuckle.
if replacing the rod ends repeate on the inner rod end.
6. unscrew the rod ends off of the adjuster, and place the jam nuts in a safe place, you may need these later.
7. put a little anti-seize in the threads of the new adjuster and thread the jam nuts back on, followed by the rod end.
8. get them as straight as possable and go get an alignment(after you put the tire back on that is).
 

granitex

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Columbus OH
on side note, I would go ahead and replace the rod ends at the same time, and keep the old ones as spaes, and mark them as inner or outer.
 

JGBimle

Bought an X
Founding Member
Location
Altoona, PA
Thanks for the info guys now I have a better understanding. I wasn't sure if there was some way for it to be done without removing the ends as well but that seemed really unlikely to me.
 

NMTerras

Suspension Lift
Location
New Mexico
!. chock the rear wheels and jack up the front corner of the truck
2. remove wheel on the side that you want to replace
3. loosten jam nuts while everthingtistill connected
4. remove cotter pins, and castle nuts.
5. use pickle fork, or rod end press to remove rod end from steering knuckle.
if replacing the rod ends repeate on the inner rod end.
6. unscrew the rod ends off of the adjuster, and place the jam nuts in a safe place, you may need these later.
7. put a little anti-seize in the threads of the new adjuster and thread the jam nuts back on, followed by the rod end.
8. get them as straight as possable and go get an alignment(after you put the tire back on that is).

I'll add to that, you can use a tape measure to make sure you're close enough to straight to drive it to an alignment shop. When you put the new adjuster in, hold it up next to the tie rod assembly on the other side to get an idea of how far in to thread the adjuster. Get it to where it looks similar, then install the assembly. Before you completely tighten the jam nuts, put the wheel back on, and use a tape measure between the front edge of your tires, and then take the same measurement between the rear edges. Ideally, you will be about 1/4 inch further apart in the back (tires slightly toed in). You can make slight adjustments with the adjuster (duh) and then tighten up the jam nuts and head off to the alignment shop. I had to do this in MOAB, and drove home with no problems with the ballpark alignment. I also was able to get the tie rod out without a pickle fork or press, but its easier on some trucks than others and I live in a no-humidity climate. Anyway, in a pinch you can thread the nut down to where it is flush with the stud, and then use a deadblow or BFH to pop the ends out of their sockets - just be careful and don't go overboard with the hammering. Caveat - I'm sure this isn't the best way to do it, but it worked for me, and was done with only basic tools in my trail kit.
Finally, ditto what granitex said about spares
 

Xtacular

Bought an X
Founding Member
Location
Washington
I just eye-balled the toe-in and got within a few tenths... good enough for the drive to the alignment shop. Keep in mind when your tires get back on the ground the toe will change. And I wouldn't use a pickle fork or even ball joint separator if you are re-using your ends. But the separator will leave you with more of a chance of salvaging them.
 

NMTerras

Suspension Lift
Location
New Mexico
Yeah you want to measuRe with the wheeLs down fully weighted. I should have mentioned that. Measure, jack, adjust, lower, measure, etc
 

JGBimle

Bought an X
Founding Member
Location
Altoona, PA
Fixed it today. I replaced the whole assembly, adjuster and both ends. The job was extremely easy...I thought for sure Id have a hard time with rusted nuts but took me less than an hour to do.
 
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