I am replacing my tie rod this weekend. I'm going to the Rock Krawler rod with Moog drag link ends.
While I'm at it I am also replacing the drag link end with a new Moog one as well.Can I do this on the ground, or do I have to jack it up? I'm planning to get an alignment afterwards, so I wasn't planning to adjust the toe myself. I'm going to match the length of the new one to the length of the old one and just swap the parts.

 

here is a writeup that WOL did. http://project-jk.com/jeep-jk-write-...ation-write-up

 

I just did this. Jack the front up on jackstands. It takes a few tries to get the toe set right. Also make sure the tie rod ends and the tie rod alighn when the ends push down. I made the ends level with the bend and noticed after driving the tie rod was down more since the tie rod ends moved.

Also I had trouble removing the stock ends. I loosened them and hit with a hammer till it dropped. When I tired to take the nut off completely the bolt in the end spun with it. I just cut it off completely.

 

Thanks, guys.
Yes, I have seen the write up and I appreciate the advice, but this does not answer the question...

Can this be done with the jeep on the ground, without jacking it up?

 

Yes it can be.

 

If you look at the top of the tie rod ends there is a recessed hex head cut into them so they can be held with an allen wrench while you turn the nut the rest of the way off with a wrench. Much easier than cutting them

 

I did the same last week and I can't imagine how you could get to the tie rod ends when they're tucked into the wheels. Especially the larger Moog ends. It's a lot easier to put jack stands under the front axle and pull the wheels. Might as well set the toe yourself too it's easy!

RT

 

I can imagine it, I've done it. I have the RK tierod with the Moog ends. Is it easier, probably so. But it can be done w/o removing the wheels with the Jeep on the ground.

 

I wasn't thinking about wheel size, my rims are 15's (until put the 17's on tomorrow) and that is the reason for the tight fit on mine. Definitely easier, I tightened mine up sitting in chair on the with the wheels off.

RT

 

I wasn't thinking wheel size ether. Ya 15's would complicate the effort a bit. I run 17" wheels.