front end tie rods for steering...how hard is this to do?

[Blue_bags]

okay...a new conquest for me to do this weekend is to try to repair my front end steering linkages or something like that. I have an 88 toy 4X4, been to the mechanic a lot of times already, he wants me to do this myself because it will save me a lot of money. He offered to yank me some used linkages from a junkyard, and tried to explain the procedure to me. I think I have it down, but seeing as how I've never done anything past changing the oil on a car, I'm just wondering, how long or how hard in anyones opinion would this be. I'm even wondering if its really that bad if the linkage is kinda bad, as long as it keeps the tires steering the same way, things should be okay right?....well newayz new problem, im jus asking for sum opinions if yall have ever done this?....thank you

[fourwd1]

Do you just want to replace the TRE's or is the entire Tie Rod bad?

To do TRE's you need a pickle fork (TRE tool) and BFH to break them loose (after you remove the cotter pin and castle nut). Then unthread the old and install the new.
But 1st measure the center-to-center length of the TR assy, so you can make it the same length with the new TRE's (adjustable by the amount you thread them into the TR).

The absolute best thing you can do for yourself is to get a FSM, or at least a Chiltons manual for your truck. Then you can see how things come apart and go together.