When I tried to replace the left outer tie rod end on my car, I couldn't break it loose to unscrew. I didn't have enough spare time to soak it in pen oil so I'm going to work on it again next weekend. My question is whether a propane torch will provide enough heat in case I can't break it loose using pen oil? Also what is the best tool to grip the flats on the tie rod? Looks like the tie rod has L/H threads. Is that right?

Heat could prove helpful. Whether it'* enough or not, trying is the only way to know the answer. Might take very little.

Threads should be normal.

This may sound silly, but when I first replaced a tie rod end on our 2002 Bonneville I attempted to loosen it by gripping the tie rod with one wrench and what I thought was a six sided portion of the tie rod end with another wrench, not realizing that I was just tightening the tie rod end.

The "six sided portion of the tie rod end" is actually just a nut that was used for locking the tie rod end in place. It looked so well formed to the tie rod end that I couldn't tell the difference. If this is also your problem, the best way to remove it is to grip the tie rod end, there'* a flat spot a wrench can grip near the ball, and loosen the nut away from it first. The tie rod end should unscrew easily after that.

Great point! I'm pulling the wheel this weekend to try again so will take a closer look. Thanks!