steering?

Hey guys i have had the calmini 3in lift for over a year now and i am wondering how do i know that my tie rods are going out. I know that people say you should get the steering kit with a lift but i am wondering how will i know when its time for the kit.

Thanks
Matt

Get a big pair of channel lock pliers, and squeeze the tie rod ends together (clamped over the nut end, and over the large flat end, and squeeze). If there is a lot of play there, then they're bad. Anything over 1/16" of play and it's needing replaced.

Keep in mind that the aftermarket steering kits use OEM tie rod ends, so if that's all that's bad you can just replace them. The new systems don't even include them; you have to get them from Nissan seperatly. Now, if you have a worn centerlink then that's a different story.

Also note that Napa carries aftermarket tie rod ends for $30-something each vs. the $50-something best price you'll find for the OEM ones.

How do I know if the centerlink is worn?

Searching "worn centerlink" here:

http://www.xterraownersclub.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=73;t=000497
http://www.xterraownersclub.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=73;t=000735

You've been here 2+ years?
Brent

You've been here how many years and you didn't search this info on my post?

See my post in this thread for part numbers and prices!
http://www.xterraownersclub.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=73;t=000768

Uh, different part there I think. The TRE's that are used on the ends of the Calmini CL are standard (Ford I think) domestic tie rod ends. I would imagine they're cheaper than the ones that replace the actual Nissan TREs.