<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zMF8KTXeEVY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Both inner and outer tie rods were like this on my Ranger. Because I drive it every day, I didn't realize how sloppy the steering had gotten over time until after I replaced them all. Now, the steering feels so tight, I almost made a U-turn during a lane change. :laugh:
That's how the tie rod ends are in my '96 Ram. I'll have to take a vid when I finally replace it all in the next couple weeks. (not cheap) I bet if I grabbed it and gave a good tug, the ball would pop right out of the socket! Yikes!ou:
There was some play when lifting the ball up in the cup that it sits in. If yours are that bad, I would replace them as soon as possible before one of them breaks.
I'm ordering a new drag link and whatever else it needs hopefully Wednesday. I already have ball joints, axle joints, and a steering damper. I'm gonna replace both wheel hubs as well. She should be good for another 50k miles after that! lol I also have a brand new rad and heater core. I aint messing around anymore! I know some of you guys sure don't like Mopars, but I gotta say "This 'ol rusty Ram has been the best truck I've ever had". At least it isn't a chev!
Now, ya know, if you're careful with the hammer, you can swage that top over to keep the ball in. Then fill it with JB weld and use BIG channel-locks to break it loose in the morning. It's only a mopar, fer cry-eye. :TU: