Newb here (and possibly a dumb question) but I was just wondering if this is the short end or the large end of the tie rod that I need to replace. It is on the drivers side of a U.S. model (Don't know if that matters, but I thought I would include it.)

 

Its the tie rod end you need. around thirty bucks.

you just need to reclean up the threads to make sure the parts will turn. you might need a torch and a pickle fork to get it off.

 

Thanks I appreciate the help. Now, does anyone have any idea what the gap between the front tires should be for alignment?

 

The tolerance is too tight to use a tape measure. The best you can do, is use a tape measure to get it "close" so you can drive it to get it aligned.

Take measurements before disassembly to use as a reference.

 

Too bad I can't get away with doing it myself $$ Thanks for the wisdom.

 

Well, to answer your question, the distance between the front of the tires should be 0.02"-0.07" more than the rear of the tires (toe-out).

Tape measures and string are usually best left for off-road only.

 

I counted the number of exposed threads on the old one and put the new one in using that as the measuring distance. When I took it in for an alignment one side was close, the other was off. Don't skip the alignment, its worth it, saving the tires and gas mileage.

 

Copy all guys, thanks for all the help.