If you use an accurate caliper to measure from the center of the tie
rod end to a known point on each tie rod (the first thread, for
instance) and record that measurement, you won't need an alignment.
I've never had to do one after a tie rod replacement if the alignment
was good to begin with. The secret it to take time to find the center
of the tie rod end. Not matter who makes it and what process they
use, and what size the tie rod end is, the center is always the center.

Jim

On Jun 21, 2006, at 9:36 PM, Warren Lail wrote:

> Hi John,
>
> I recently replaced my tie rod ends.  Pretty much a piece of cake.
>
> Remove the front wheel and remove the  cotter pin at the bottom of
> the tie rod end.  Next remove the nut from the bottom of the tie
> rod end and then thread it back on just a bit to give yourself a
> good striking surface.  Then take a heavy ball peen hammer or a
> good three pound maul and whack it until it pops loose.  Remove the
> nut, lift the tie rod end from the hole and unscrew it from the tie
> rod.  Screw the new one in place, fit it down into the hole,
> install the nut and you're almost done with this project.  I can't
> remember the torque specs for this application, so check those
> out.  Be sure to get your front end aligned after you do the job.
>
> Best of luck to you.
>
> Warren L.
> 88 Westy "Billy Bones"
>