Bad tie rod ends?

[jeeper]

My truck is clanking when I turn the wheel. The tie rod ends are all tight, not even a hint of play in them. However, Each one of them pivots a TON, which allows the clanking. I do not have a steering stabilizer on the truck, but I don't think it would help, as they can twist also.
I don't want to throw parts on for no reason. What think Ye?

[video=youtube;0hnj-Ng0Fn4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hnj-Ng0Fn4&feature=youtu.be[/video]

 

[I Lean]

This is why I dislike inverted-T steering. That rotation of the tie rod is also translated as steering slop to the steering wheel, too.

It's certainly what is causing your clank. New tie rod ends might be more difficult to swivel, so the clank will be reduced/eliminated--but as long as there is nothing restricting rotation you'll still have the same slop. You might be able to "fix" it by loosening the adjuster sleeve, rotate one TRE backward and the other one forward, so there isn't any room for the tie rod to rotate anymore.

Old fullsize Wagoneers had a rubber spacer that slipped over the stud, so it would help keep the TRE from rotating on the knuckle-side steering arm. You could try something similar...

 

[SLC97SR5]

I've wondered if these would work, they are marketed for Jeeps using 1 ton rod ends.

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/R1768.html

 

[Rot Box]

I think this is fairly common on our era of pickups. I adjusted the sleeve on the drag link like I Lean mentioned and that helped. Have they been greased recently? I've noticed if I keep them greased often (like several times a year) with the thick red sticky stuff the clanking noise pretty much goes away.

 

[jeeper]

Thanks guys! I will give your ides a shot. Those plastic pieces look like a great idea. I think the truck will be up for sale shortly though, so I don't think I'll buy them. Ill give the sleeve an adjustment and grease them up good.

 

[I Lean]

I have a chunk of 2" round delrin, if you want to try making your own. (a drill and a good chopsaw for wood should do what you need)

 

[jeeper]

I crawled under the truck tonight and adjusted the tie rods, one forward, one backwards. There is still some slop from the pitman arm tie rod, but the majority has gone away, and the clanking is gone!

Thanks guys!