I need to replace the outer tie rods on my 98 F150 4x4, I will be doing the inner as well since it will be apart. Is there a way do replace them and still be able to drive for a day or so before I get an alignment?

 

I'm not saying it's law but if the other 3 are stock, maybe do all 4 at once. Moog one's or one's with a grease fitting are best, plus do get a warranty. The way I do it is mark the threads on the old one, count how many turns before it comes out (hard to perfect but can help) and screw the new one in matching the old ones length. I don't care who you are, you'll get close not perfect. This way if you do all, you worry about 1 alignment. Money permitting because tie rods aren't cheap to begin with. Tie rod separator tool helps ALOT.

 

you can get a lifetime alignment from Firestone for about 150.
I always get this. I rotate my tires every 3 monthes then get it aligned. Thats a good investment. This way you can swap out the tie rods when you need to and ball joints, and if you ever lift your truck, get it aligned without paying 75 a pop again

 

i measure from the center of the ball stud then out...ive changed 3 so far and ball joints on drivers and tires still look good..

 

If you replace the inners and outers and you measure the overall length and set the new ones to that would that not get you very close???