How to replace a tie-rod end on a Ford Thunderbird?

Loosen the wheel lug nuts. Block the rear wheels and set the parking brake. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Remove the front wheel. Hold the tie-rod end with a wrench and loosen the jam nut enough to mark the position of the tie-rod end in relation to the threads. Remove the cotter pin and loosen the nut on the tie-rod end stud. Disconnect the tie-rod from the spindle arm with a puller. Notice the nut has been loosened, but not removed - this will prevent the components from separating violently. Remove the nut and separate the tie-rod. Unscrew the tie-rod end from the tie-rod. Thread the tie-rod end onto the marked position and insert the tie-rod stud into the spindle arm. Tighten the jam nut securely. Install a new nut on the stud and tighten it to the torque. Install a new cotter pin. Install the wheel and lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque. Have the alignment checked by a dealer service department or an alignment shop.

Genuine Ford Thunderbird Tie Rod End

Steering Rod End

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6 Tie Rod Ends found

View related parts
Ford Thunderbird End - Spindle Rod Connecting
Part Number: 3W4Z-3A130-AB
$48.12 MSRP: $84.73
You Save: $36.61 (44%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Outer Tie Rod
- Manufacturer Note: Outer
- Position: Driver Side
- Replaces: XW4Z-3A130-ZZ
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird | 8 Cyl 3.9L DOHC EFI NA | 5-Speed Automatic Transmission 5R55S, 5-Speed Automatic Transmission NAAO 5R55N, Left Hand Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive (Left Hand Drive)
View related parts
Ford Thunderbird End - Spindle Rod Connecting
Part Number: F4SZ-3A130-A
$13.73 MSRP: $18.75
You Save: $5.02 (27%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Outer Tie Rod
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1989-1997 Ford Thunderbird | 6 Cyl 3.8L, 8 Cyl 4.6L, 8 Cyl 5.0L | 4AT 4R70W, 4AT AOD, 5MT
View related parts
Ford Thunderbird End - Spindle Rod Connecting
Part Number: XW4Z-3A130-ZZ
$48.12 MSRP: $84.73
You Save: $36.61 (44%)
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer Note: Outer
- Position: Driver Side
- Replaced by: 3W4Z-3A130-AB
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2002 Ford Thunderbird | 8 Cyl 3.9L DOHC EFI NA | 5-Speed Automatic Transmission NAAO 5R55N, Left Hand Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive (Left Hand Drive)
View related parts
Ford Thunderbird End - Spindle Rod Connecting
Part Number: XW4Z-3A130-AA
$62.04 MSRP: $102.55
You Save: $40.51 (40%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer Note: Outer
- Position: Passenger Side
- Replaced by: 3W4Z-3A130-AA
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2002 Ford Thunderbird | 8 Cyl 3.9L DOHC EFI NA | 5-Speed Automatic Transmission NAAO 5R55N, Left Hand Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive (Left Hand Drive)
View related parts
Ford Thunderbird End - Spindle Rod Connecting
Part Number: 3W4Z-3A130-AA
$64.30 MSRP: $102.55
You Save: $38.25 (38%)
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Outer Tie Rod
- Manufacturer Note: Outer
- Position: Passenger Side
- Replaces: XW4Z-3A130-AA
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird | 8 Cyl 3.9L DOHC EFI NA | 5-Speed Automatic Transmission 5R55S, 5-Speed Automatic Transmission NAAO 5R55N, Left Hand Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive (Left Hand Drive)
View related parts
Ford Thunderbird End - Spindle Rod Connecting
Part Number: F4SZ-3V130-A
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer Note: Outer
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1990-1997 Ford Thunderbird | 6 Cyl 3.8L, 8 Cyl 4.6L, 8 Cyl 5.0L | 4AT 4R70W, 4AT AOD, 5MT

Ford Thunderbird Tie Rod End Parts Questions & Experts Answers

End - Spindle Rod Connecting
F4SZ-3A130-A
Q: How to replace a tie-rod end on a Ford Thunderbird?
A: Loosen the wheel lug nuts. Block the rear wheels and set the parking brake. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Remove the front wheel. Hold the tie-rod end with a wrench and loosen the jam nut enough to mark the position of the tie-rod end in relation to the threads. Remove the cotter pin and loosen the nut on the tie-rod end stud. Disconnect the tie-rod from the spindle arm with a puller. Notice the nut has been loosened, but not removed - this will prevent the components from separating violently. Remove the nut and separate the tie-rod. Unscrew the tie-rod end from the tie-rod. Thread the tie-rod end onto the marked position and insert the tie-rod stud into the spindle arm. Tighten the jam nut securely. Install a new nut on the stud and tighten it to the torque. Install a new cotter pin. Install the wheel and lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque. Have the alignment checked by a dealer service department or an alignment shop.