Ford F - SeriesThe Ford F-Series lineup offers a plethora of models for every occasion or occupation, starting below $20,000 and climbing beyond double that. The F-Series line offers something on the order of 75 permutations, more than some car companies' entire lineups. All are capable of work or play, even those models with luxurious interiors, and all have four doors.
I have a 2002 F150 XLT FX4... how much "play" should I get from my inner and outer tie-rods.
Of course, they twist like the should. But I can wiggle them at the joints about 1/8" by hand.
I've always thought there should be ABSOLUTELY NO PLAY in these.
I too have a 2002 Ford 150. In 2004 I recieved a leter from Ford about Tie Rod inspections for the 150, 250, and Expedition.
It gives a detailed description of how to check the tie rod ends ervry 20,000Km ,for these vehicles. I am sure you can find it at a dealer, or the internet.
I checked mine the other day and I need to chaneg one inner and one outer tie rod.
I use mine truck mostly on the highway and never off road, so i am dissapointed in the service these items have given.This truck has only 88,000km .
Next one, certainly will not be a Ford.
Hope this helps Pacific Pete and the crew
Its 7 years old reguardless of the mileage and with no grease fittings . . . If that is your only problem and it causes you not to buy another Ford?Good Luck with another brand but I cant see you having any beter service from a vehicle.
Not to be adversarial, but I have a 1998 Tacoma 4x4.... 11 years old now, 195,899 miles, no grease fittings, and still NO PROBLEMS with anything.
But I agree, if that is the only problem he is having, and he is giving up on Ford, then good luck to him. Things wear out. I had a 1997 Jeep Wrangler that the shocks wore out in 50,000 miles. I now have a 2002 Wrangler with 70,000 miles and shocks are still great. You just never know from vehicle to vehicle.
By the way, I always have a hard time getting the inner, front, driver's side brake pad in the caliper mount (on my '02 F150 FX4). Does anybody else have this problem? Or know why I have this problem?
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2002 F150 tie rod question 
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