It is time for me to renew the steering components on my 1996 Mustang GT (over 120,000 miles).
I have purchased a set of new TRW inner tie rod ends, and I have rented the proper inner tie rod long socket tool that is needed to remove and install these parts.
However, I won't be able to use this tool to install the TRW tie rod ends, because the tool socket will not slide past the "shoulder" of the tie rod end's ball socket. The very end of the ball socket casing has the proper hex shape, but the "shoulder" of the casing where the ball resides is much too large.
Should I try to use another brand of tie rod end that will (hopefully) fit my tie rod tool? Or should I try to use a crow's foot wrench to install the new tie rod ends? (Or should I even try to use a regular crescent wrench?)
I am thinking of returning the tie rod end tool, but I'm keeping it for now, in case I can possibly use it to remove the old tie rod ends.
Has anyone ever run into this situation?
Many thanks in advance for whatever advice/tips you can give. I do not want to get stuck halfway through this repair!