1981 242: I've decided to replace the inner and outer tie rod ends on the passenger side. I have it all up on jackstands, wheels off, splash pan off, and passenger boot off. How do I safely get the inner tie rod end loose from the shaft it connects to without damaging anything? There is no locking plate or separate locking device with bend-over tabs holding the inner tie rod to the main steering shaft. The inner tie rod end is threaded onto the shaft, and about 1/4 inch of its circumference is crimped down onto the last couple of threads of the steering shaft. There are no flats on the steering shaft, at least not on the passenger side. I could try to hold it at the opposite end of the shaft if there is a good spot on the driver's side end. I haven't removed the driver's side boot, but I think it's set up the same on that side. If I hold the driver's side inner tie rod end by its flats while trying to loosen the passenger side inner end, won't both sides tend to loosen up if both ends have normal threads and not reverse threads? If this happens the torque would to straight to the steering shaft, which I don't want to happen. Does anyone know the right way to do this? Are the threads on both ends normal or is one reversed threads. I'm holding off and hopefully I'll hear from someone. I want to do this without damaging anything, especially the steering rack.
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Thanks to everyone for the help, Doug C. 81 242 Brick Off Blocks, stock; 86 240, 129K