Tie Rod Boots

[shadetree77]

In the process of taking my tie rods loose from the drag link to remove the oil pan on my '53 Kaiser, I have totally destroyed the rubber boots. Can these be bought individually or do I have to buy the entire tie rod end to get the boots? I've seen some universal ones listed too. Can these be used?

[boatingbill]

I would think a universal cover would work just fine as long as the cover slips over the treads tightly and is
wide enough to cover the tie rod ball. I replaced my tie rods and the cover on one of them was different
than the other two, but covered the end just fine.

[retired wrench]

 
   Even the "pickle fork" for removing tie rods will damage them. To avoid this place a large hammer on one side of the steering arm or whatever the joint bolts to then strike the other side sharply and the joint will pop out.