I swear to god, mechanics in California are cheating! I have NEVER seen those sleeves even vaguely resembling metal anymore!
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.
@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
To assuage your fears
All the hoses are pretty accessible to replace
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 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
Try not to think about the fuel pump inevitably meeting it's demise....That could be an alternate title for this thread: The Official Assuage Your Fears Thread.
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.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?
They are handy to have, like regular plastic ones but much stronger. When I used them on the rack bellow boot I use a pair of pliers to get them tight and cut the extra off.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?
Found this under my car. Probably just blown there by the wind...or does anyone recognize this?
View attachment 11192
That looks like the slip joint gasket from a kitchen sink p-trap.