turbo tie rod, control arm bushings replace

[azhodge]

I am about to start the job of replacing the bushings and ball joints on my control arms. I am also going do the turbo tie rod upgrade. My question is, Is there an advantage to doing both jobs together? I do not have the turbo tie rods yet, but can order them now. Can I do the control arm bushings, put everything back together and then do the turbo tie rods ?? I am all about making my life easier, so if the answer is do them both at the same time I am in. but if it does not make a difference then maybe I would do the turbo tie rods when it gets warm.. thanks

[74-911]

Do it all at once. Once you start disassembling the front suspension to remove the control arms, it's just another step to drop the steering rack and it is a LOT easier to install the turbo tie rods when the steering rack is on the bench. All this will become very apparent when you get started. And while you have it out, you should consider cleaning / lubricating the steering rack. This is one of those "while you are in there" you might consider new wheel bearings, brake lines, rebuilding calipers, new brake pads, sway bar bushings, etc.

I recently completed all of the above and more on the '74 and it is amazing how much better it drives.

[NoYouRelax]

I just did the turbo tie rods and slightly lowered the front. If you have any lowering in the front, do the bump steer kit (cheap and easy). It gives a real compliant feel.

[steely]

It's a good idea to do all together, if you are thinking about it, because you'll probably want/need to have an alignment performed.

[mreid]

I just did it and you should do it all at once if finances allow as you will need an alignment. One point to pay attention to. You don't have to remove the rack to replace the inner tie rods, but hold one side while you unscrew the other! The pelican tech brief doesn't address this and has you simply crank down on each side. The problem is that this puts all the torque on the rack and you can damage it. Use the spacers and apply a small dab of blue locktite. I also pressed in new bearings and converted to coilovers. Here are a few pics.

[lespaul]

Subscribed. These jobs are on my winter list.

[theiceman]

did my turbo tie rods on their own with no issue, just dropped the front sway bar and it was no issue. The point about the alignment is valid though.

[porsche0nut]

I removed the rack to do my turbo tie rods, but mostly because it was a chance to clean the rack (in and out) and repack it with grease. Not sure if it provided any noticeable difference, but peace of mind was worth it! Also installing the tie rods was a breeze with it on the bench.

[911Maverick]

I am tackling this in the next month or two as well. Best of luck; I look forward to tracking your progress.

[74-911]

Originally Posted by porsche0nut

I removed the rack to do my turbo tie rods, but mostly because it was a chance to clean the rack (in and out) and repack it with grease. Not sure if it provided any noticeable difference, but peace of mind was worth it! Also installing the tie rods was a breeze with it on the bench.

That is why I removed my steering rack, there are several threads which show steering racks in serious need of maintenance, i.e. grease dried up, rusting bearings, etc.

[Smoove1010]

When removing the old ones, heed the advice in this post:

Turbo tie rod....grrrrrr!!! Ideas??

This doesn't get mentioned very often - those wide flanges that the old boot connects to are lock nuts. If you don't loosen the lock nuts you will struggle to get the old tie rods off. Since you'll be tossing them, you can put a big pipe wrench on it, but support the rack as noted above when breaking these loose.

Agreed, too, to do all these jobs while you're in there. Check out the rubber fuel lines behind the tank too...

GK