tie rod ends in 58 1/2 ton - rebuild or replace

[62lwbc10]

Hello all I need to give some attention to my tie rod ends. A mechanic buddy of mine told me I can just rebuild the ends with a 20 dollar kit from Classic Parts. Sounds good but another friend told me forget that and replace them with newer style ends (also available from Classic Parts). I belive the tie rod itself needs to be modified before you can use the newer ends. THe newer style ends have this note:

"Before using this kit you will have to drill with a 9/16" drill bit down a 1/16" of an inch and press out ball studs and install tie rod ends just like a new style.

Excuse my ignorance but can someone explain this note and also confirm whats the best thing to do? rebuild or replace with newer style?

THanks alot in advance guys,
Mark

[dwcsr]

The newer style is a better design but more work to get that ball stud out. Usually the old ball stud they ask you to drill out is worn beyond usefulness and gets out of rout and need to be replaced. So if your replacing ends and have to drill out the ball stud then use the new style. You don't modify the rod you just drill out the ball studs in the steering arm.

[tinyjaime]

The newer style is the modern style. Once you get the old ones out you will be glad you did. I pressed mine out and I am happy with my results.