How do you replace the inner and outer tie rod ends on a 52L 1998 Dakota 4X4?

Answer 1

Answer to tie rod endsI just recently replaced the inner, outer, and tie rod sleeves on my 5.2L 94 Dakotea, and its not that difficult. I'm guessing that your Dakota is a non-rack and pinon steering setup. First you loosen your lug nuts from both front wheels and then jack up your truck, then remove you wheels. You then pull out the cotter pin on either tie rod end, as both pins will come out, then take off the nut. The easiest way to remove the tie rod end from the bar is a tie rod end puller, i used a hammer, either way works but the puller is faster. You want to leave the whole tie rod assembly together because you want to assemble the new inner, outer, and sleeves together in roughly the same length to keep your alignment the same. Once the assemble is together you install it in a reverse order. I know my directions are not the best, but tie rod ends are not as bad as you may think. If you do have any questions, a Chiltons manuel will help, that's how i figured out how to do mine.