Tie Rod End Question

[klank]

I have a question about ordering tie rod ends. I'm at work so I can't go look at my jeep, it's at home. Look at this picture. When I order my tie rods do I buy just the ends? cause if you look at box #1 it show it as a whole assembly. Does the ball joint not come off the passenger side here? Because on #3 it shows that it's seperate as does #5 as well. But not #6 Does this make sense. What exactly will I have to buy?

http://www.fullsizejeeps.com/jeeps/files/Technical/tierodends.jpg

[carrotman]

The tie rod in box 1 is one piece. The tie rod is formed on the end and unfortunately can not be detached. Did it the same way in 76. Box 4 is the same tie rod with a tie rod on the driver's side. Boxes 5 and 6 are the separate end assemblies (tie rods) shown together in box 2. The tie rods shown in boxes 3 and 5 may be alike. The ends shown in 6 and 1 are different; four all together.

[klank]

So if I understand this right I need to buy everything in box 2 and 4 just to replace my tie rods?

Or buy 1, 3, 5, and 6?

I don't like steering stuff. thanks for responding.

[carrotman]

Technically, 1 and 3 are the tie rods, but hammering or prying off the connecting rods (5 and 6) will ruin them. Should replace them all since 5 and 6 are your first steering input and any looseness there will be amplified to the tie rods. Buy all four. Was over $100 from the dealer 15 years ago, plus you have to get aligned afterward. Worth it though. Do you have a pickle fork for taking off the tie rods?

[klank]

Thanks carrotman. It all makes sense. I have a friend from this board (Al, Kaiserjeeps) who lives near me who said he'd help me take them off since he just made a tool that I guess works way better than a pickle fork. I'm interested in seeing what it is. But he can help me I believe.

I'll take the part #'s and see what I can find for pricing. It really needs to get done soon. My steering is pretty wacked.

Thanks for your help.