replacing tie rods

[Aaron K]

I have a question about aftermarket tie rods: since I am replacing a lot of
parts on the front suspension, I decided to replace the tie rods (inner and
outer pieces) as well. The pieces I got are a little shorter (not really a
problem) otherwise they seem to fit well.

Once the inner tie rod is screwed to the steering rack, there is a four
point locking metal bracket that has tabs that are bent around the tie rod
to keep it from backing out. Well, with the aftermarket tie rod in, i can't
get it tight enough to line the four square faces with this locking piece.
The last point it lines up isn't quite tight enough.

I was thinking about ditching this locking plate (since it'll be damn near
impossible to rebend the tabs around the tie rod), and just using some
locktite and tightening it up as much as possible. Does anyone think this
wouldn't be sufficient? I don't think the tie rod would back itself out, or
would it? For anybody else that has done this: how did your tie rod
replacement go?

Any help is really appreciated, I'm probably going to take off work tomorrow
to get this thing finished up.

Aaron