bartsitars

...To swap my lower ball joints and outer tie rod ends. All in all, it was a fairly easy job. EXCEPT for the "frozen" tie rod. Basically, I could not get enough leverage on the bolt or rod to turn it. After messing with the car for 2 and a half hours, I gave up on the passenger side tie rod. I beat a wrench with a hammer, kicked it, etc. I also snapped a caliper bolt. Ooops. I just got frustrated and took the car to a shop up the street from the house to get the tie rod off and do the alignment since it needed to be done anyway. They took care of the tie rod, replaced the caliper bolt, and did the alignment for $110 out the door. All in all, I would say that it was a successful endeavor. Especially since I did all the stuff on the Chicago streets due to not having a garage. I do have to say.... amazing the difference in handling!!!