The Unofficial "Ask a Stupid Question" Thread

Mine were pretty good, but again I had the SS ones also.
 
OK, next dumb (situation / statement, then) questions...

Apparently I purchased outer steering rods for my rebuild. The current (original to the car) ones are super flimsy but otherwise don't pop, grind, click or anything as far as I can tell. That said...

Q-1: Should I install the new ones that I purchased, or save them for later?

Q-2: (Assuming yes to Q-1 above) How do I remove the inner clip (2nd pic) on the boot without destroying the boot?

PXL_20250322_012317444.jpg

PXL_20250322_012353453.jpg
 
I assume you mean the inner tie rods, as the outers are already removed in that pic. If the inner doesn’t have any play, I would just leave it alone. If you are going to change it, you have to pry that clamp apart by getting a pick or a thin screwdriver into the gap where it was crimped, pry that apart and then pop the clamp off. Those clamps are technically one-time use, but if you are careful, you can re-use them. Or you can just use a large zip-tie in its place.
 
MadMikeyL said:
I assume you mean the inner tie rods, as the outers are already removed in that pic. If the inner doesn’t have any play, I would just leave it alone. If you are going to change it, you have to pry that clamp apart by getting a pick or a thin screwdriver into the gap where it was crimped, pry that apart and then pop the clamp off. Those clamps are technically one-time use, but if you are careful, you can re-use them. Or you can just use a large zip-tie in its place.
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Yes, I meant inners.

I guess I can leave it alone then. Like I said, besides being super loose (moves freely in it's socket), it doesn't have any play in it (pop, grind, click, etc.)

And I don't have any huge zip ties on me at the moment to boot.
 
@CDsDontBurn IMO as long as the parts you have are a good name brand or preferably Motorcraft, you may as well do the inners while you are at it. If it's an off brand you are probably better off leaving the originals in

I recently replaced an inner tie rod end. I was able to cut the boot clamp with a pair of side dikes. Replaced the clamp with a metal zip tie... They are on Amazon or autoparts stores usually have them
1742666737982.png
 
Kenz said:
@CDsDontBurn IMO as long as the parts you have are a good name brand or preferably Motorcraft, you may as well do the inners while you are at it. If it's an off brand you are probably better off leaving the originals in

I recently replaced an inner tie rod end. I was able to cut the boot clamp with a pair of side dikes. Replaced the clamp with a metal zip tie... They are on Amazon or autoparts stores usually have them
View attachment 11021
Click to expand...

ACDelco Pro is what I got for just about everything.
 
What exactly is this hose and what does it carry? (Flammable fuel vapors?) It goes via various curves to that canister behind the right side bumper which I know does something with fuel (?).

Asking because I noticed how porous it is. Would leaks from it throw a code? Or set my car on fire?

20250321_143210.jpg
 
To assuage your fears of flammability old cars used to vent the tank to atmosphere. That was done away with via evaporative emissions systems not for safety but, as the name suggests, emissions, to help curtail the smog vented hydrocarbons contributes to.

Plus the minuscule amount of fuel vapor to oxygen makes it a scientific impossibility of ignition.

All the hoses are pretty accessible to replace to do all at once with the lone exception of the one from the tank itself, which tends to be okish on most cars with it being semi-shielded from the elements
 
XR7-4.6 said:
To assuage your fears
Click to expand...

That could be an alternate title for this thread: The Official Assuage Your Fears Thread.

XR7-4.6 said:
All the hoses are pretty accessible to replace
Click to expand...

Evap I suppose; in fact I replaced some short hoses around the canister during my front end repair.

But PCV is a bit tricky. It goes front the valve to a metal tube which disappears under the intake from the back, surely connected to some porous hose which isn't accessible.

All my coolant hoses appear much newer. The previous owner must have replaced those at some point.

The fuel lines look original, but they don't look porous at all.
 
Kenz said:
@CDsDontBurn IMO as long as the parts you have are a good name brand or preferably Motorcraft, you may as well do the inners while you are at it. If it's an off brand you are probably better off leaving the originals in

I recently replaced an inner tie rod end. I was able to cut the boot clamp with a pair of side dikes. Replaced the clamp with a metal zip tie... They are on Amazon or autoparts stores usually have them
View attachment 11021
Click to expand...
So I'll try and save the clamp with a small screwdriver as previously mentioned. But just in case I can't save it, what's the link to these guys?
 
CDsDontBurn said:
So I'll try and save the clamp with a small screwdriver as previously mentioned. But just in case I can't save it, what's the link to these guys?
Click to expand...
They are just regular zip ties. Should be available anywhere. I am usually able to save and reuse those clamps. Just try not to mangle it when spreading it apart. I know all of the aftermarket steering rack bellows kits come with zip ties and I have used them plenty of times, but I prefer the stainless clamps. My '85 LTD actually has (gasp) reusable clamps from the factory. Not sure when they went away from that, but they are nice.
 
I just put brighter bulbs in mine. But it's not a bad idea.
 
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