Dana 44 - Tie rods end is solid bar

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Booyakashaw

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Hey guys.

I have a 1981 k2500. Just getting to know my way around it. I added some steering stabilizers today, and noticed I was able to rotate my drag link. My tie rods seem to have a bit of give to them.

On the drivers side it it appears to tie rod is not removable?

View media item 9461
 

bucket

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That's the heavy duty version of the tie rod assembly. The Left one is really long.

Being able to rotate it is normal. You only need to be concerned if there's slop in the joint.
 

75gmck25

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My ‘75 K25 also has one long side where the tie rod end cannot be removed. It makes for a more expensive replacement, but otherwise works fine.
 

Doppleganger

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The bar on mine was so caked with old grease and dirt, you couldn't tell. so thats what I thought I had. Bought a new 1pc Moog (USA). Then found I had the 2 ended threaded bar, so had to find my tie rods according to threads and lengths.

Anyways.....if anyone needs the one piece, I have a new one up for grabs.
 

Raider L

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What?? @Delroy Jensen,@ bucket,@ 75gmck25,@Doppleganger, what do ya'll mean it can't be removed? How do you get it off to replace it? What if one of ya'll ran over a big rock and bent the heck out of it? Then what? I've never heard of anything like that before.
 

Doppleganger

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What?? @Delroy Jensen,@ bucket,@ 75gmck25,@Doppleganger, what do ya'll mean it can't be removed? How do you get it off to replace it? What if one of ya'll ran over a big rock and bent the heck out of it? Then what? I've never heard of anything like that before.

You can replace it like any other. The one side (tie rod) and the long bar is all one piece.
 

Curt

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I upgraded to a 1 1/2” heavy wall tie rod.Up front the cost was the same as the heavy duty original type from Napa.

But now,I just can replace the ends at 25$ vs 180$ for the long side.Carrying spares is much easier now.

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bucket

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Yeah, it's just a tie rod that comes in a 4ft box. It's really not that expensive for what it is.
 

bucket

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I upgraded to a 1 1/2” heavy wall tie rod.Up front the cost was the same as the heavy duty original type from Napa.

But now,I just can replace the ends at 25$ vs 180$ for the long side.Carrying spares is much easier now.

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$180? Last year I bought the complete Moog setup... short rod, long rod and the adjuster sleeve and the whole setup was under 100 bucks.
 

Curt

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$180? Last year I bought the complete Moog setup... short rod, long rod and the adjuster sleeve and the whole setup was under 100 bucks.
 

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bucket

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Good golly.

I bought mine on Rock Auto. I guess it was definitely worth waiting a few days in that case.
 

Curt

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Yes sir,rock auto is a life saver,money saver too.I did use a discount and walked out all in at 140$.

I also went up in size on the rod ends.It was kind of a pain in the ass,but I had to get a special drill bit and drill out the knuckles to the larger size taper.
 

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I think that long one is around $60 on Rock last I checked. Moog's u-joint "kits" are half wrong too. I've got all kinds of new stuff left over.

Dangit.
 

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