Drag link question

[nutt7]

When working on my steering gear, I noticed that the boots on the drag link ends are cracked. Should I worry much about this? (I assume you can't just replace the boot) The links themselves are in decent shape. Also, if I replace the joints, do I need to buy the whole drag link ends? or do the joints press out as a separate part?

Thanks

 

[bot0611]

I would worry if the ends dont have any play when turning the wheel

 

[nutt7]

I would worry if the ends dont have any play when turning the wheel

If they don't have any play? Would that mean dirt and stuff got in there?

I figured if it had play, it would be a bad thing...

 

[4X4HIGH]

You can buy poly boots for the TRE's and I would suggest doing so. The boots are what keep dirt and crap from getting inside and destroying the TRE's as well as keeping the grease in the TRE. Energy suspension has a few options based on stud size.

Here is a link to the page. http://energysuspension.com/products/Tie-Rod-Ball-Joint-Boots.html

 

[owenst7]

You can buy replacements on the dorman rack at any auto-idiots store for a couple bucks, but if they're holding grease in fine and you aren't wheeling a bunch of water, it's really not a huge deal. Keeping grease in them is a lot more important than keeping the boot pretty, nothing you can do will hermetically seal them anyway.

You can pop the stud out with a hammer, or use a mini pitman arm puller looking tool. They are really common and only a few bucks. A pickle fork will also work well. Just don't beat on the pitman arm with a fork or hammer very hard or you can damage the bearing in the steering box.

 

[88jimmy4x4]

How old is the assembly?

Mine was original so I replaced both ends and the adjuster. I never felt any play while driving, but upon removal it wiggled way to easy, especially compared to new. I got MOOG parts from advanced auto parts online.

 

[nutt7]

How old is the assembly?

I believe it's original. I will take a closer look for wear.
Thanks for the link 4x4high