Alright so tomorrow I'm going to replace the inner tie rods on my 05 f150 xlt...I heard that the removal tool that you can rent doesn't have the right size...does anyone know the size of wrench to use on it, I found one source that it was 1 3/4 which seems kind of big, anyone replace their inner tie rods?

 

So I quickly found out that none of the specialty tools will fit on to a 04-08 f150 inner tie rod, so I found out that the size you need is roughly 1 5/8 (which fit but it was a little too tight, might need a just touch bigger)....I bought 1 5/8 3/4 drive socket welded that to a piece of pipe and welded a 1/2 socket to the other end of the pipe...which ended up being about $25 worth of parts, I would have just bought a 1 5/8 wrench or used a pipe wrench but with this I was able to torque it down to spec...I also have a few friends that have the same truck so it'll just easier for them if they have to change their inner tie rods...so if any one is changing inner tie rods on a 04-08 f150 don't waste your time going to parts stores looking for he specialty tool!!!!!!!!!!!! 1 5/8 or a little bigger will work!!!! Or take it to a shop and pay out the a$$

 

I had the same problem with the specialty tool. I just used a pipe wrench but I like you method way better

 

How are you torquing that down? wouldnt the shaft of the inner tie rod need to be inside the socket?

what am I missing?

 

I used a 1 3/4" on my 2007, tightened by hand. Never had a problem, wasn't buying a specialty tool, and in able to make a special tool. Never had an issue.