Does the tie rod end need to be aftermarket, or is the cheap factory replacement okay? The rubber is broken, and the tie rod pivots front to back now...

Emergency repair? or can I put it off untill I feel like it?

I need an alignment afterward right?

 

Yes, you'll need an alignment afterwards. Which tie rod end was it? Inner or outer? If it was the inner, I think the only option is a stock replacement. I'd get one from Moog, they sell them at O'Rielly, not sure about Autozone. If it was the outer tie rod end, and your car is lowered, you can get the Baer Bump steer kit (can be found cheapest at www.sdpc2000.com). You can correct the bump steer problems common with lowered cars with that part. It is rather pricey though, around 160 I think? If your car isnt lowered, just get a Moog outer tie rod end, and you'll be good to go. They are fairly simple to remove, although I've never installed one before, but it looks as simple as sliding the pivot stud up through a hole and tightening a bolt Make sure you measure the length of the entire inner-outer tie rod assembly so you can get them fairly close for the drive to the alignment shop!

 

If one is bad the rest will follow.I would replace the whole steering link at one time.Yeah it will cost alot but if you do the alighnment after you replace each rod end and idler arm,etc then the cost of this will pay for the whole deal and one alighnment.sorry if my spellings off.The stuff is all old and worn if stock.

 

yeah, the suspension is probably still from 1982. I will probably replace it all at once...

 

Go with Moog...and replace it all, Spohn or Summit has 'em..


Ed