Good point Jim.  I thought about taking measurements on mine - but only after I had the first one off (duh).  However, it had been several years since my last alignment so it probably needed it anyway.

Warren

----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Felder <felder@knology.net>
Date: Wednesday, June 21, 2006 9:50 pm
Subject: Re: tie rod ends (second request)

> 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"
> >
>