I am going to replace the inner tie rods on my 93 245 with CAM Gear steering rack. The new inner tie rods I received from FCP Groton do not have any flats on the ball housing to allow for turning. What tool should I use- a pipe wrench? Plus plenty of Locktite? Is this safe?
Thanks,
el Raidman

Raid,

When I replaced the inner tie rods on my 86 245 Cam rack ... it did not have any washers on the big end. Both rods did have a portion of the rod thread collar peened flat to the inner threads. I used a pipe wrench to remove (and replace) the rods ... cleaned the threads and used medium (blue) thread lock and then used a drift to peen the outer collar of the rod into a flat section of the rack threads. Nothing has come loose in 20K. I don't know if the thread lock was needed but I'm a bit over cautious when it comes to front end steering components. A belt coming loose may be a problem ... a tie rod coming loose could be a disaster. I'd get new rubber boots if yours are ripped or cracked. A new tie rod will get old in a hurry if water,salt and crud get into the ball and socket.
My $.02

T bone is right, there are no lock washers on the Cam Rack big ends. Peen the end to the steering rack after assembly. Sorry about that, I was thinking ZF.

Snug the tie rods up with locking pliers or a pipe wrench. I do not think you whould get too carried away. I have never seen evidence of Loctite on a tie rod thread, nor have I ever seen an unscrewed tie rod.

Thanks, RH:
I'll use a pipe wrench, If there are no flats, then it must not be too critical to tighten it up excessively.
Would a little Locktite be good or not?
Thanks again,
Genaro

I always use a pipe wrench. There should be a couple of small flats on the end of the cone. These are where you are supposed to flatten the edges of the lock washer to keep the tie rod in place (after tightening). Do you have the washers? I wouldn't install without them, Locktite or not.