Fronts are worn out at 200k. Should I replace rears and anything else while I'm there?

 

At 142k mine started wearing the right front tire on the outside, was exhibiting bump steer and would hydroplane on a teaspoon or two of rain. This was after having it aligned just a few months earlier. It got parked about 6 months ago until I had another project done and could tackle the steering, suspension, clutch and transaxle all at once.

I haven't torn into the front yet, but when I looked at it before I parked it I noticed both upper control arms could be slid back and forth on the upper pivot points, meaning the rubber bushings are loose. The right outer tie rod end boot was disintegrated so I'm going to assume it was original to the car. Also, it was making popping noises when maneuvering in the driveway near the end of steering travel (this is typically caused by a ball joint).

This doesn't really answer your question, but I ordered new upper and lower control arms for the front, ball joints, inner and outer tie rod ends for both front and back. Also new front wheel bearing hubs (I recently replaced both rears). I have the rear cradle out now and can tell you the upper ball joints are extremely loose and the upper rear bushings are also a little too compliant. So I will probably get a bushing kit for those. My bank account will be hurting for a while, but I don't expect to be replacing any suspension / steering parts for the next 10 years.

 

What brands of tie rods do u recommend? Any to avoid?

 

Essentially you get what you pay for. Moog or ACDelco Gold are my preferred brands. Just try to find ones with grease fittings and you should be able to get 2x as much life as the OE non-greasables.

For rears it's hard to find them in good name brands so I had to go with what was available.