How does one tell if the tie rods are bad? Should there be any play on the ball joint? If I grab the bar and twist, it will travel about 3 inches but only move around the ball joint-- no side to side play. Just up down. The steering dampner also twists with the bar. All four tie rods move like this so are they all shot or all normal? I had one shop tell me the track bar was bad cause it moved a little so I had that replaced and now it's tight. But they said nothing about the tie rods being loose. I hope to take it to another shop on Wed for sloppy steering and want to have some knowledge beforehand. Thank you.

I tried to setup my sig but if it didn't show up, my truck is a 99 1500 4x4 318

 

my tie rods also rotate up/down. i think its normal.
for removal of some steering play see here https://dodgeforum.com/m_657750/tm.htm

 

If you can twist the tie-rod with minimal effort, the tie-rod ends are shot. If you notice that the boots are torn, then they are definitely shot.

 

Mine are BAD too. They're shot if you can twist it.

I've heard many times that you have to replace the whole tierod and draglink though. I don't get why this would be since they have the adjustable collars that you can just replace.

I think I'm gonna go take mine off today and take a look.

 

I followed the tip to remove steering play and I can't get rid of it. Is there something else that can be done or do I have to buy a new steering gear?

 

Oh, great, then they're all shot. Yippee. I always wonder why they sell just the tie rod end because it looks like all my tie rods are connected to the rods as one piece. Looking up parts, I'm seeing about 200 bucks for all four not including labor. I'd like to upgrade to Moog, but they're REALLY expensive. Should I just get Napa parts or what?

 

I don't own a 4x4, but I will tell you straight up and spend the extra money for Moog. Don't screw around when it comes to suspension parts. On top of that, why don't you do the job yourself? Sure, it will take a Saturday afternoon, but the money saved in labor can go towards a nice dinner and some beer.

 

If you are moving it by hand under the truck "twisting" does not mean they are bad..Christ you will have every one change for no reason..jack the tire up and see if you can move the tire side from side hands on the 9 and 3 position if u have movement then yes they are bad..while you are at it see if you can move the tire up and down. 12 and 6 position see if u have play ball joint maybe ? or bearings...

 

It should require a bit of effort to twist them, not just flop with ease. Also note that I stated the tie-rod ends should be replaced if the boots are torn.

 

I had two mechanics check out the front end a couple weeks ago and neither one said the tie rods were bad. They also said the bearings and ball joints were good. In fact, one shop tested the joints while I looked on. They didn't move. The only joint that did move was the track bar which I just had done. But there's still slop in the steering and all the tie rods look loose and the boots look weak. I twisted the passenger one the most (with the shock on it) and went slowly up and down and there's a slight 'dead spot' in the middle of the travel. I remember inspecting them whenever I grease (which has been awhile) and don't remember them moving that far but I'm no mechanic either. Thank you for all your help everybody!