TOOK 96 STRATUS IN FOR ALIGNMENT. I WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT DO IT BECAUSE IT NEEDED TIE ROD ENDS. I DO NOT NOTICE ANY LOOSE STEERING OR PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. IF THE ENDS NEED TO BE REPLACED IS IT SOMETHING I CAN DO MYSELF? THANKS FOR ANY ADVISE.

Yesu can do it yourself. i did mine by myself. but letme let u know u need a 18 meteric wrench to do the job. i had to go buy one cause i didnt have an 18 in my set.

Yesu can do it yourself. i did mine by myself. but letme let u know u need a 18 meteric wrench to do the job. i had to go buy one cause i didnt have an 18 in my set.

How in the heck did you get the old tie rod end off? I have tried anti-seize lubricant, heat and pipe wrenches. Is there a trick?

Heat the tie rod lock nuts glowing red with a cutting torch tip then quickly spray it with water. This shocks it and you can now loosen the locknut with your 18mm wrench. (tickle it with a 32oz hammer if it's stuborn) To get the tie rod end off use the same heat and water shock trick but after spraying the water then immediately spray WD40 on the threads. As the rod cools it pulls the WD40 into the threads but it is still a bitch to get the really rusty ones off. When removing the actual tie rod end, count the number of turns it takes to get it off and install the new one with the same number of turns. This will get the alignment close but should still be taken for a proper alignment to save on tire wear and handling of the car.
RG