Frank88

My '88 GTA needs this work and I'm debating whether or not to bring it to a shop. Any advice on time required, complexity, etc.? Tire wear seems good now - should I realign after replacement? thanks

PonchoTA

Did mine in about an 1 to 1 1/2 hours, in my garage without really knowing how!

Just make sure you count the threads and only replace 1 tie rod at a time!!

Make sure the car is level and when you attach everything, get everything else mostly tightened, and the idler arm 'snug'. There are 2 "flats" machined into the bottom of the centerlink which must be level also, adjusted by the idler arm. Once that is in place, tork everything down. If you turned the new tie-rods in the same amount as the old one came out, then that should put you close enough to get to the alignment shop! Just make sure your balljoints are good first, because the alignment shop won't touch it unless they are good.

Good luck, take your time, and you shouldn't have any probs!

Frank88

Thanks! Did you have any problem splitting the tapered joints? Can I use a pickle fork or do I need the GM tool?

thanks again

thunderstick

pickle fork will do the trick... If you have bought the parts already, there should be directions as to how to install them at the correct level, as Poncho said. It's not so much a matter of the car being level, as it is having level reference points. That is what the "flats" on the relay rod are for, and the bolts for the lower control arm will be your reference points...

KAM