Is it possible to drill and tap the tie-rod and install greese fittings for the ball joints? The rubber boots on mine were cracked and all the greese has dried out. They're still in good condition so I'd rather not replace em.

 

It's POSSIBLE. I've heard of people doing it to Ford units - dunno about the situation over there but here many Fords with low-friction/sealed for life units have a problem with getting sqeaky. You're SUPPOSED to just replace the unit, but some people just drill and put a fitting in there.

Now, the question is, what kind of grease should be used? Gotta use something that won't attack plastic. I'm never sure, which is why I always just replace the squeaky ones

 

The new tie rods are very cheap also. I was looking for used ones and someone suggested that I try an auto parts place. I went to Autozone and they had them in stock!! I think I paid like $12 ea. for them!!! I think for the money, that is the way to go

 

Go buy new ones. I bought some nice new ones with grease fittings at Kragens for about 35$ each.

 

Just as a FYI do not get the ones with grease fittings, get the OE style low-friction ones.

1st-gens have poor enough steering feel as it is. Putting high-friction grease fitting style parts on there will only make things worse.

 

don't even bother trying to fix the old ones.. trust me buy *new* ones.. they're DIRT friggin' cheap. I bought myself like 2 outer (both sides) and 2 inner (both sides) AND 5 threaded rod connectors for like under $50

 

Amen on the "dont even bother to fix the old ones"