Tie rod interchangeability <- if thats a word

[Tercel_jon]

Im in need of new tie rods on my 83 T4wd. I know for a fact the tie rods on my 87 hatch are good. They should swap out right? I mean, no difference in diameter or anything right?

I was told I also need a new steering universal joint but I think they were BSing me.

[Petros]

I think the tie rods would be interchangeable, but the steering u-joint is not. It is an easy check for the steering u-joint, they are supposed to be sealed, but they will wear out eventually. Sometimes even freeze up. some have suggested soaking it in penetrating oil to make it last longer.

[ARCHINSTL]

If you have an '87 sedan with the East-West engine - I thought it is a different transmission. Go to the EPC catalog sticky in the Parts Forum and enter the info for both cars and note the part numbers at the bottom of the page.
Tom M.

[Tercel_jon]

The steering ujoint is supposed to be sealed?! Mines just hanging out in the engine bay. No evidence that it was ever covered with anything. Ill spray it with some wd40 just in case.

I think I figured out that parts website...from what I can tell, the tie rods are slightly different from each other in shape but the 83's are much longer. awww well I do have to thank you Archinstl for saving me a walk down to the woods. At least rock auto has em for like $15. Thanks guys.

On a side note, does anyone know of any company that makes a push bar, or off road kinda style front bumper for our tercels?

[takza]

The joint has sealed bearings...but they can be lubed with light oil. They can get dry and stiff...and/or they can get loose...then they need replacement. If you hit them with light oil every 6 months or so....they might last indefinitely.

On some years...they used the same joint for the power steering as with manual steering....manual steering causing more joint stress...more failure.

Takes very minor looseness in that joint to make your steering sloppy.

[SynthDesign]

The factory cowbar has been discontinued since 91.

As far as I know, there are no makers of aftermarket bumpers for our beloved terels. Best bet is to make your own as a few of us have.

[Tercel_jon]

Thanks takza. Ill take a look into that.

Synthdesign, dude that really sucks its been discontinued. I had a friend quote me 200 bucks for just a pipe and some arms to hold it. I called BS cause its only like 2 welds I want done. W.E. Not worth mentioning further.

Tape measure alignment. <- I think this is pretty straight forward right? Pull the wheel off, unscrew the tierod (or screw it in) and put the wheel back on and measure? Cause I need some kind of alignment pretty bad.

[ARCHINSTL]

Do a Search here - there are a couple of good threads from 3-4 years ago on DIY alignment.
Tom M.

[Tercel_jon]

Thanks man, I did that exact thing last night right after I posted.