Inner Tie Rod Trail Repair Kit: Looking for Feedback

[The Bronc]

I would like to put together a trail repair kit for my Bronco that would allow me to replace an inner tie rod if needed while off-road.

I have never changed a tie rod before, so I’m looking for:

• A recommended list of tools to carry
• Any specialty tools that make the job significantly easier on the trail
• Confirmation that the inner tie rod part below is correct for my vehicle

Vehicle:

• 2023 Ford Bronco Badlands
• 2.7L
• Sasquatch Package

Part I’m looking at:

• Ford Part Number: MB3Z-3280-A

My main goal is to build a compact but effective trail-side kit that would realistically let me complete the repair without shop equipment.

For the tool kit, I’m especially interested in tools that simplify inner tie rod removal and installation in the field.

Recommended tool options I’ve been looking at:

Tool Type	Recommended Option	Why It Helps
Inner tie rod tool set	OEMTOOLS 27178 Master Inner Tie Rod Tool Set	Full adapter set that works well for trail repairs
Compact/portable option	Performance Tool W83027 Inner Tie Rod Tool	Smaller and easier to pack in a Bronco trail kit
Heavy-duty premium option	Lisle 58100 Inner Tie Rod Tool Set	Very durable and commonly recommended by mechanics
Budget but capable option	VEVOR Inner Tie Rod Tool Kit	Good value if you want a dedicated trail-only kit

A practical trail kit would probably also include:

• 1/2" breaker bar
• Compact impact gun or ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Pickle fork or tie rod separator
• Adjustable wrench
• Needle nose pliers
• Blue Loctite
• Grease
• Paint marker for alignment reference
• Zip ties and gloves

Do you agree that the biggest “make this easier on the trail” item is definitely the dedicated inner tie rod removal tool. Without it, the repair becomes much more difficult in tight spaces.

Thanks!

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[Felix808]

The following should be all you really need .

21 mm ratchet wrench for nut at the knuckle.
Large adjustable wrench. My 15" Snap-On does the job, but test fit to make sure your is going to work for the inner tie-rod as jaw openings can vary.
another 10" adjustable wrench.
3 1/2" Hose clamp
Nut driver or socket to adjust said hose clamp. Flat blade will also work.
2 1/2 lbs. hand sledge to smack knuckle to release tie-rod end.
Slip joint pliers and cutters to cut the clamp and open the spring clip
Jack to lift wheel to make adjusting alignment easier.
Optional: Tarp or moving blanket if you don't like laying in the dirt. Moving blanket adds padding for more comfort.

 

[telenerd]

I will have to take a picture of my tricky dicky tie rod repair kit. Honestly never used it and been through some tough trails in Moab, Colorado, and Wyoming.

 

[The Bronc]

I will have to take a picture of my tricky dicky tie rod repair kit. Honestly never used it and been through some tough trails in Moab, Colorado, and Wyoming.

That would be great!! I see he is no longer actively selling the kit.

 

[Murraydog11]

Here's the Tricky repair kit.

 

[3People1Body]

I thought all you needed was a 9mm wrench and a welder...

(Some folks will get that)

 

[telenerd]

Not the best photos but hope that helps.

 

[murphtron]

Here's the Tricky repair kit.

I’ve got it too! Never used it.

I like the moving blanket idea in a prior comment. And I need a better jack. Bottle jack or inflatable? Or both?

 

[Murraydog11]

I’ve got it too! Never used it.

I like the moving blanket idea in a prior comment. And I need a better jack. Bottle jack or inflatable? Or both?

I got one of these.

 

[zuke]

Actually used my TD tie rod kit this weekend for the first time after carrying it for 5 years.. Made the job a quick and easy fix, Definitely worth having such a kit.

 

[Valhalla]

I'd say if you are worried about tie rods, go ahead and gear up to spank axles too.
Ne er broke the 2.0 rods, I had JKS sleeves, I ha e broken 3 axles.

 

[beardymcstash]

i put an amazon list together last year-ish since TD wasn't an option anymore. looks like it's still intact if you need/want it.

bronco tie rod kit

link to the thread cause there is some other good stuff in there you might be interested in.

 

[Brian_B]

I'd say if you are worried about tie rods, go ahead and gear up to spank axles too.
Ne er broke the 2.0 rods, I had JKS sleeves, I ha e broken 3 axles.

You need to service your V key

Also - it's pretty easy to carry around a spare inner tie rod and repair kit. Even not hard to carry to two outers if you wanted to.

Spare axles take up a lot more room though. And more expensive to pick up beforehand.

I won't argue about which is worth it -- if you carry it, it's insurance that you will never break it. If you decide not to carry it, then it's guaranteed to break.

I'm in a similar club as you though - I've broke one axle (mild, just jacked the boot and it was able to make it home without needing a field swap), but haven't broke a tie rod yet.

 

[Desmolicious]

I''ll just call my mom to come pick me up if I break anything.
If I'm lucky she'll bring a juice box and some pop tarts.

 

[Badassbronco]

Actually used my TD tie rod kit this weekend for the first time after carrying it for 5 years.. Made the job a quick and easy fix, Definitely worth having such a kit.

I dont believe he sells them anymore, correct?

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