Truck Repair: General mechanical question- Ford F-150, ford f 150, inner tie rod

Question
Hello Cliff,

I know you said your expertise is with Cummins engines, but this question probably can be answered by any mechanic who has experience in general auto repair, and I figured since you are ASE Certified you may just know the answer.  And, you are the only one listed under "Truck Repair", so I thought I'd go ahead and ask this question.  

I have a 97 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4, long bed, with a 4.6L V8.  I just went to have the front-end aligned because I had just bought 2 new front tires.  The tech doing the alignment told me that both tie-rod ends needed to be replaced.  He said they both have a lot of play in them, and that the after-market ends have grease fittings, whereas the original equipment doesn't. He quoted me a price of about $250 to do the job, but I talked to another person who said they are very easy to replace, so I thought I may do it myself.  

So my question is:  When I go to buy new tie-rod ends, is that all I should get ?  Or is it a good idea to replace other parts while I'm at it ?  And should I get them from Ford, or will any brand do just as well?  I would like to buy the parts myself, so I can save the mark-up on parts usually charged by garages .  So any advice you can give me on what parts I should get, as well as some instructions or tips on how to go about replacing them would be very helpful .

Thanks,
Gary  

Answer
You can use aftermarket ones.The grease fittings are better because you can grease them.I dont know what all the engineers are think to seal up everything so they will wear out faster I guess.Fist question is DID they do a frt end alignment?If not,can do it after the repairs.If they did the alignment,it will be a little harder for you but you can get it close.You can rent the tie rod tool at Auto Zone or Advance Auto.Check the inner tie rod ends as well.After you get the tie rod out of the spendal,measure the length of the complete assy center to center.Install new tie rod end(s) and check measurement to get close to the original.install tie rod assy.Repeat for other side.While frt end is raised,scribe a line in the center of each frt tire using a screwdriver.(spin tire while holding screwdriver blade in center)When you let the truck back down,get on bumper & jump up & down a couple times.Now for the fun part.Measure the scribed line in frt of the tire & on the rear.Get it close to 1/8 in closer in the frt(toe in)than rear.