There is a special tool called out in the service manual. I'm guessing it is hardened steel so that its threads won't be stripped out from the force of pulling the tie rod to its seated position. More or less a glorified nut with a ratchet connection. what are you guys using?

 

I just seated mine up in there by hand and torqued the nut. I was careful to make sure the parts were clean. Maybe I did it wrong but it feels fine and aligned fine.

 

That's it... just tighten the nut. Once in awhile I have to sqweeeeeze it with channellocks or something to keep the stud part from spinning but that's about it.

I know there's a tool for EVERYTHING, but I had no idea there was a tool for that.

 

I use a puller get them apart have never used a special tool to get them together.

The nut literally cannot strip as long as you thread it on by hand and use a torque wrench to tighten. I think it was a low torque spec if I remember right.

 

The issue is when the manufacturer of the tie rod provides a crimped nut, not a castellated nut. Man can those studs want to turn as the nut is threaded on.

RBob.