tie rod ends

[copernicusd]

did tie rods 2 years ago when I bought truck, and now the outers have no more boot on them, guessing its because the steering was soo bad for so long, fixed now, bad gear box
but when truck is just sitting there, should I be able to more the tie rod, never tried before, but I grabbed it and it moved around, was thinking about just putting new boots on for now
I mean I know it should move, but just by hand?

 

[JollyGreen]

What boots are you talking about? Tie rods don't have boots.

 

[95C1500]

mine do

 

[96Z71ECSB]

Mine do also.
If they are not loose, then go ahead and put new boots on them.
Lube them up afterward (zerk fitting).
Two pumps with a grease gun should do it.

 

[94Sierra4x4]

Your tie rod ends have boots? All of you guys? Really? Just to cover the zerk or what?
Seems strange haha

 

[JollyGreen]

Ya, I don't get it. My Moog tie rods didn't have anything. I thought maybe he was confused.

Sent from my Taliban Killing Droid

 

[93SierraWT]

My tie rods also have boots.

Sent from my SGH-T959P using Tapatalk 2

 

[copernicusd]

they have boots, read something about cutting a piece of heater hose to use as a boot

 

[homermacleod]

Energy suspension makes boots. Picked up some at autozone.

 

[great white]

boots on mine also.

makes for longer lasting joints to prevent dirt and water intrusion.

To OP: it depends on how the joint is moving. You should be able to rotate them with some effort (ie: grab the rod and twist), but it they clunk up and down or if you grasp the tire at 9 and 3 o'clock with it on a jack and get excessive movement they might be done....