Inner Tie Rod

[Budtee]

I just changed the struts on my 89 8v.  While working on it I noticed that there is a very small amount of play in the drivers side inner tie rod end.  I guess a 1/16" or so.     (It has just over 10k miles)  

 

1.  I am wondering if I should change it now.  I have not had it aligned yet.

 

2.  I would appreciate any tips on how to do this.  I know there is a tool available to take the tie rod out. The access to the inner clamp to remove the boot looks like it would be a problem.  It looks like there is a sheet metal u-shaped piece over the top of the rack.  Can this be taken off to provide access to the boot? Once the boot is removed it looks like a simple job.

 

Would appreciate your help.  

[Hemi Dude]

I just changed the struts on my 89 8v.  While working on it I noticed that there is a very small amount of play in the drivers side inner tie rod end.  I guess a 1/16" or so.     (It has just over 10k miles)  

 

1.  I am wondering if I should change it now.  I have not had it aligned yet.

 

2.  I would appreciate any tips on how to do this.  I know there is a tool available to take the tie rod out. The access to the inner clamp to remove the boot looks like it would be a problem.  It looks like there is a sheet metal u-shaped piece over the top of the rack.  Can this be taken off to provide access to the boot? Once the boot is removed it looks like a simple job.

 

Would appreciate your help.  

You pretty much have it figured out. It would be smart to replace it now, it will just get looser with time and will also create steering wheel shake as you drive.

The U shaped shield is removable from the sub-frame by removing 3,  5/16" sheet metal screws. You got to do whatever... to remove the boot. I don't recall. 

After that, it is a matter of unscrewing the tierod from the rack. Verify that you have access to new parts and take old one as a sample.