Inner tie rod ends

[JTFlorida]

My 93 Taurus needs new inner tie rod ends. Pulled the boot back and discovered that a roll pin (lock pin) is driven through the tie rod end and the rack and pinion shaft. How can I remove this pin? The instructions on the TRW tie rod say to use a lock pin remover, however my local auto parts stores have no knowledge of this tool. Searches on the web have not panned out.

[Smith1000]

I replaced the inner tie rods on my 91 Taurus at least once. I think I did the outers twice. I don't remember the lock pins being a problem. From what I recall, I used a nail about the same diameter as the roll pins. I ground the end off flat, then drove out the lock pins far enough to yank them out with pliers. You could probably use something else as long as it is about the same diameter as the hole. It needs to slide through. When I put the new ones on, I just used loctite on the threads and got them as tight as I could go. I think I had to get it aligned after I put them in, but if you measure the distance on the old ones, you might be able to get them close, so that the alignment is okay. I didn't do so though.

[JTFlorida]

Thanks for the reply.

My problem is access to drive out the lock pin. There is no room to drive out the pin. The top of the hole is only inches from the car body. The only chance is from the bottom. Even then, it would take something 8 to 10" long to get up in there.