Tie Rod/Drag Link Play?

[Char-lay_on_your_six]

Hey everyone, in the last few days, I've developed a clunk in the front end again and took a quick video today (~177,000 Miles):



I found that the upper track bar bushing (replaced April 23, 2023) has play in it again, and the passenger tie rod end and drag link bushing (tie rod stock, as far as I know) have a good amount of play.

It's my understanding that the tie-rod is supposed to be able to rotate a little, but what I saw seemed a little excessive.

It also looks like the drag link has vertical play, but the pitman arm side is tight.

I just ordered two more track bar bushings from Rare Parts.

I dropped the tie rod recently to replace all four ball joints, and I think the unusual movement of the bushings may have pushed it past its' limit.

I'm also a few months into a new set of 35" Mickey Thompson Baja EXPs, and they seem to be quite a bit heavier than my old tires, so I thought a heavier tie rod and drag link setup might be necessary.

What do you all think?

Is the tie rod and drag link serviceable on these trucks, or should I go with a beefier one like Synergy?

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[badbajawa]

Yes, there are many worn parts; if not all are taken care of, you'll be wasting money.

There is probably a good chance your ball joints are worn if you have a premature failure.

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[Corkey]

Synergy has the strongest name out there, IMO.

Replacement parts are available down the road when the time comes.

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[Char-lay_on_your_six]

Thank you, guys; I bought the Synergy.

About a month ago, I replaced all four ball joints and found that one of them was bone dry.

I'm thinking now that that undid my work on the track bar.

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