So today i got an alignment on my 1990 pickup and they found out that my tie rods are bent. Im not that shocked. I have been wheelin for two years. They quoted me $500 to repalce the inner and outer tie rods on both sides. Instead im going to replace them myself and get it aligned. So if you know what tie rods are good, let me know. I'd rather get better ones that have them bend again. I was just going to go with a name brand that I have heard of but I would much rather get some feedback from other people to see what I should buy. Thanks

 

ide go moog, i bought an ebay kit wich isnt a bad thing cuz it was only $80 bucks for inner, outer tie rods, idler and pitman, but for some reason the outer tie rod was longer than stock?? so yeah they touched inside the adjustment sleeve ....lol i havent gotten an alignement yet but wheel see what they say

 

okay, that doesn't make much sense: the 'tie rods' are little more than an inner and outer joint with threads and a sleeve between the two to allow adjusting them long or short for adjusting the toe. Not saying they're not bent but I'd expect the relay rod to bend before they did.

this is what they're talking about, correct?

 

lol, there's a factory bend in the inner one, maybe that's what they're talking about?




or maybe they meant the idler arm is bent? that's quite common


but either way, $500?!?!?! yeah that's just crazy, replace whatever they're talking about yourself for 1/5 of the price

 

$500 sounds ridiculous. I'd get some OE ones since they tend to last damn near forever. Put them in yourself then get it aligned, or find a shop with better rates. Best of luck.

 

Come on out to San Diego and we'll get 'em swapped out for half that price. Plus beer

 

well i cant get you beer cause im 17. haha. yea i think the guy was talking about the inner one. i dont plan on replacing them until i have some real problems with them. right now when i let go of the wheel goin 65 the truck still goes straight. im not that worried about it. i just wanted to see what everyone thought about it.

 

oh and i get free alignments because i got the three year unlimited package. i take the truck in quite a bit. haha i want my moneys worth

 

What's the 3 year / unlimited package cost?
I got a lifetime alignment package for 170 bucks.

 

So they did do your alignment? Some places will not "honor" their extended alignment agreement if they 'find bad parts' and then say they will align it after they replace those parts.

If it goes straight and if the steering wheel is also straight you are probably fine. If concerned, keep an eye on your front tires for wear.
You can always get another opinion at another shop. Just go in as if you know nothing and get a front end inspection. Don't mention what the other shop said or even that you went to another shop. See what this second shop says and if he finds something wrong, have him show it to you on your vehicle, not some mock-up they have in the showroom.
Many shops offer free inspections. Don't feel obligated to spend any money there though.

 

my package costs like 100. nobody out in vegas will do lifetime alignments or at least i didnt find that shop yet. even thought they said my tie rods were bent they aligned the truck and gave me the printout. its almost perfect on the printout and the truck goes straight when the wheel is straight and when i let go of the wheel it dosent wander so i think im all good for now. or at least i hope so.