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Originally Posted by LuckyLightning
Thanks luvbowties, that's some incredibly comprehensive - and welcome - feedback.
I guess what I'm trying to understand though, is if it's okay (standard practice?) to just replace the tie rod bushings in some cases? It seems that Classic Parts is selling them alone (and not the whole outer tie rod), but I'm not sure if I'm just reading their catalog wrong.
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They aren't bushings, they are just rubber boots/seals to keep road grime out; most just replace the whole thing.
IME the control arm bushings are the first thing to fall out on these trucks; most of my trucks have original ball joints and other front end parts that are still just fine, but the control arm bushings are all shot and need to be replaced. YMMV.
If the boot was just torn/missing I personally probably wouldn't worry about the tie rod itself if it wasn't loose/worn, but your front end has been messed up by the PO; I can't say from a picture on the computer if the tie rod was somehow messed up by him or not, or if it's worn or not. The right one doesn't look very good at all (actually even looks like it was bent?). The left one looks like it's probably ok, but I can't say that without actually having it in my hand.
FWIW, Rockauto.com has the whole outer tie rod end for $6-10 (Moog for $20), which is why most just replace the whole thing.