So I have play in my tie rods and center-link etc.

There is no way I can afford to replace everything anytime soon.

SURELY new bushings will tighten it all up though right?
(even if not completely solving the problem)

I am aware I'll be doubling the labor when I eventually replace the rods and link, but I'll do it myself so it's not too bad.

 

What bushings would those be?

JamesC

 

good question...


You need to just fix the tie rod ends... and check your pitman arms also...

 

all of the bushings where each of the bars "link".

"just" fix?
(I don't have the money to replace much more than bushings - I have already spent a bunch on ball joints, rotors, pads,bearing, sway bushings/links and controlarm bushings)

 

There are no bushings where the bars link.

JamesC

 

there are no bushings to replace, just the tie rod ends. Also check your idler arm and pitman arm, may also want a new center link.. these arn't exactly expensive parts and are simple to replace. You could do the work yourself and have it professionally aligned after. Simple stuff.

 

The pitman arm isn't a wear piece, so unless it's damaged in some manner, you can probably discount it.

JamesC

 

yeah dude those are pretty cheap parts and if you install em your self should only run you 50-100 bucks

 

ok, I assumed there were bushings at all the links (hard to see with all the grime on there without really getting into it)

PS - "only" $100 is still a lot a week after doing ball joints, and then "just" $70 for rotors, "just" $60, for bearings/seals, "just" $130 to replace a tire, "just" $50 for LCA bushings.....oh and of course "just" $50 for ad-hoc tools I didn't have.

I don't mean to sound ungrateful for the replies but I have already said twice that I am broke so I have no choice but to do whatever is the minimum required for the time being. I know these parts aren't expensive but sh*t adds up REALLY quickly!!!

Thanks for the input guys.

 

have you tried a junk yard the parts will be cheap and should last long enough till you can afford new stuff

 

right, the centerlink where it connects to the pitman is, it's been a while since I had my front end apart. As far as not having the money, If I were you I'd simply wait until I had the money, this isn't an area to skimp. Sure you could throw used parts on but it will still need an alignment so instead of paying for two alignments (unless you have access to an alignment rack) I'd wait until you have the 50-100 bucks to spare and do it right the first time. The best way to do it cheap would be to replace just what needs to be replaced, if the centerlink is ok leave it, if you only need outer tie rods just get outers, if you just need inners get inners, etc.

 

I agree but I REALLY need an alignment already but tha is pointless until I fix the slack grrrrrrrrrrrr....
Gonna mean more new tires sooner rather than later too, just sucks how the front end is so "all or nothing".

Too late now but if i knew what I know now a few weeks ago I would have just bought the whole re-build kit and done it all at once

 

I hear ya man, being broke sucks. My Iroc is sitting ever since I started my 350 swap, I ran out of money. All I need is a water pump, belt, and a few sensors..

 

Amen man

"just" another $100 or two is a lot of money when you have already run out. oh well, it does make it all the sweeter when u get it done.

 

especially when you've been laid off recently and have a ton of bills piling up..

 

ouch