I am going to be replacing my tie rod ends in the next week or so, are there any tricks, knacks, or suggestions that may make it easier to get done in resonable time?

 

Get a loaner tie rod separter at the auto store. It makes getting the old ones off much easier. A big hammer helps too. Start soaking the clamp bolts and the threaded ends of the tie rods if the are rusty. It will make them easier to get off. Grease them when done then off to have the alignment set, and you are done.

 

one thing terry s forgot to mention.

either count the # of turns to remove the tie rod from the sleeve, OR, if youre doing both the inner & outer tie rods, just buy new sleeve's (they're fairly cheap), assemble each side (inner-sleeve-outer) and remove the old ones from the truck.
with the old set up laying on the ground, simply rotate the sleeve to move the new set up to the same length as the old ones.
when the new set up is to the right length, tighten the clamps on the sleeve's-BUT DON'T REEF THEM TO TIGHT-just enough to stop any turning of the sleeve. when you tighten the clamps, make sure that the open side of the clamp is 180 degrees opposite to the opening of the sleeve.
ie; if the opening of the sleeve is facing towards you (with everything layed out on the ground), then have the open side of the clamps facing away from you.

since the alignment guy is gonna need to loosen & adjust them to set the toe, you don't want them to be too tight, not now anyways.

this will be "close enough" to get you to the alignment shop without destroying your front tires.

GL with your repairs.

 

Thanks guys I appreciate the helpful tips.