Time to call a tow truck?

So I was replacing the outer tie rod ends. Driver side went fine. Passenger side jam nut (the alignment nut) wouldn't budge. Eventually I gorilla'd the shit out of it, and the tie rod end broke. Any suggestions on how to proceed, or should I just get it towed to the shop?

 

Just replace the tie rod end and joint. Count the threads exposed or paint them with nail polish so you can get the parts somewhat aligned again. I would visit an alignment shop afterwards. Unless, there is something broken I didn't see I wouldn't be calling a tow truck. I'd be on my bicycle headed to the parts store first.

 

I can't get the end off the rod. The nut won't move

 

I'm not even sure I'm turning it the right direction at this point. Shouldn't have been able to separate the part like that if I was, right?

 

Spray some penetrating oil in there and let it sit for a few minutes. Put a wrench on the tie rod end and one on the jam nut. Use cheater bars and/or heat as required.

 

Soak the threads and nuts with PB Blaster. That should break the bond between the nut and threaded rod.

You could try heating the nut, too.

 

The tie rod itself twists and the nut behind it is a lock nut stopping it from twisting further. Place a wrench at the flat spot on the tie rod just forward of the nut and twist there.

 

Stupid questions sorry....
Are you turning them the right way?
Did you spray it with PB Blaster or something like it?
Did you disconnect from the spindle first or did the joint break inside the spindle when you were trying to get the nuts loose?
I never ran into that before...it's not like it's all rusted down there either.

 

or turn the tie rod end with a giant screwdriver or bar...put it through where the ball joint was.

 

I don't know if I'm turning it the right direction. I can't get enough leverage now to hold the end and twist the nut at the same time. Tried clamping the end to the steering knuckle but it slips free. I don't have a torch or PB blaster but I used some liquid wrench

 

If you can't get it off with a wrench, then you could always cut it off with an angle grinder using care not to damage the threads.

 

Mission accomplished. I just needed bigger wrenches. The junior kid starter set I've been using for years finally failed me. The up side is I ended this whole thing with a new bottle jack, two new wrenches, and a set of larger sockets. Thanks for all of the advice everyone.

 

Yea I had to buy bigger tools when I got the Tacoma. It was quite an investment.

 

Congrats. Yes I moved from honda and Nissan cars to the Tacoma and the tools will need to be bigger lol. Cheap cars cheap tools.

 

Great job man. Keep wrenching and you'll acquire many tools and knowledge.

 

Like an electric impact wrench. Though I shoulda just gone compressor and air tools. Way more options...like an air hammer.

 

Get some PB Blaster....

 

"Having the right tools is half the job. The better the tools, the quicker the job, the more time for you."

Boom.

 

And frustration at not having the right tools leads to me breaking more stuff because I always have a BFH around.

 

Mmmmmm...peanut butter blaster...