Tie Rod Ends & Wheel Bearings

Got my report back from the mechanic. He said that the tie rod ends need to be replaced as well as the wheel bearings on the passenger side, front.

This is all new to me so I'm trying to learn as I go and try to do things myself so forgive the questions.

Do I need 2 left-hand thread and 2 right-hand thread ends? And is there a brand you recommend or some I should avoid?

Also, for the bearings, I don't know anything about the brands but have found some on 4wd.com. The prices are good on RockAuto.com but since they don't have pictures for their products, I don't know what I'm getting.

thanks again for all the help for a newbie,
Nate

 

Moog is a good brand for the tre. And yes you should need two of each. I have always had good luck with timken bearings, but I think just about everything is made overseas now.

 

moog makes good stuff as far as OEM equipment goes. I believe you are correct with 2 left 2 right. Timken bearings are recomended. You can go to QUADRATEC.com as well for these parts. Just not sure what brand they sell.

 

LOL, Daryl and I posted the same thing at the same time!!!R)

 

You guys are speaking in that crazy "twin language"...different parts of the country and everything. Perhaps these responses should be listed in the Supernatural forum!!

thanks for the tips!

 

That just shows we must be drinking the same cool-aid or are just tired of omix-ada.

 

It must be the cool-aid because I have never used omix...

 

I would get the bearings at your FLAPS. Timken as said would be my choice as well. I buy a lot of stuff from Quadratec, but I'd be wary of bearings. Unless it's specifically stated you may not get Timken from them. They sell a lot of Omix Ada stuff especially in original parts orders.:v6:

 

I take it that OMIX is like JC Whitney stuff?

 

Ok, got my CJ back today and am hoping to replace the tie rod ends this weekend. Ordered 2 LH and 2 RH last night based on feedback above.

When i looked under the front end today, there's one that I'm not sure about...it's just a rod but the end isn't threaded...it feels loose..does that mean it's just a rod itself that needs to be replaced? If so, how do I know what the rod is called?

Here's a close-up of the end:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/epvLNBsvHk9rKErZUKXDvQ?feat=directlink

And here's the rod in question:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k0Sqx-h-BxRCJsoNUmvmJQ?feat=directlink

 

that would be called the "drag link" officially.
between the steering box and the knuckle

 

Ok, so if i can turn it a little bit by hand does that mean the whole drag link tie rod needs to be replaced or is there a way to tighten it?

 

I believe that is just a long TRE or drag link. I think jeep used that kind of link in several makes. Can probably be had from Quadratec or others. If you've already bought the TREs it might be cheaper to get a threaded tube from Speedway motors. Try one of these http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Tie-Rod-Drag-Link-Kits-11-16-Tie-Rod-End,3306.html:v6:

 

They need to move but shouldnt have PLAY in it when you turn the wheel back and forth. Sorry I didnt look at mine and realize they were one piece.