I have a 97 4.6 liter 4x4 f 150. I am looking to replace the inner/outer tie rods on the front end. I wentto Rock Auto to order the same and I noted that the outers are listed for 4x4 or RWD. The inners have no listing of 4x4 or RWD. Is that to say that the inners are all the same and the 4x4 outers only are different? I'm a little confused and don't want to order the wrong parts. Here is another point/question, with the truck NOT jacked up, I wrapped on the outer tie rod top side with my fist and I can hear the play in the tie rod where it connects to the wheel. Very little play but it can be heard and seen. Bad tie rod? Another issue related that has been driving me crazy is a clunk, really loud clunk from the left front(rear?) when I turn left over say a high driveway. What do you think?

 

The clunk sound could be coming from the stabilizer bar due to a worn out bushings.

Check all the bushing holding the stabilizer bar in place

 

Could be a ball joint or any number of things. You have to jslack it up and check for play with the wheel. 12and 6, 9 and 3. Have someone else look under while you do it to see where the movement is. Also jack it up just enough to get a pipe or pry bar under the tire and lift check for play

 

Upper and lower ball joints have been replaced as well as the sway bar endlinks. Argg, I am frustrated as the clunking continues.

Are the inner tie rods the same as posted in question above?

 

How do you know it is your tie rods? it could be a sway bar bushing not just the end link could be something else. jack up the truck and check for play you'll find the clunking . from my experience tie rods click when they go not clocked normally clunkers ball joints

 

I think CV axles can clunk going on a incline like he said. maybe worn out bushings on the leafs.

 

yes. inner is the same. outer is different. your assumption is correct.

 

btw, hope your getting moog

 

correction. the inner is different, outer is same.

 

you want part #s es3366, es3367, es3369 & es3370.