How do you check for a bad tie rod end

While the suspension is assembled....

I'm about to do ball joints and struts and want to check the tie rods before I go in there. If I try to rotate the shaft and it rotates easy, is that a sign of wear, considering the boot looks OK?

 

Two ways, on the ground, have someone rock the steering back and forth.

Off the ground, shake wheel side to side, unloaded.

With ball joints theres a few ways, but jacking from the lower arm is best.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ5pckndLDA

This is perfect for lower ball joint, for upper you simply pry down on the upper arm.

 

Check the age and miles.

 

They're 3 yrs and 20k but I had a ball joint go bad so I need to see if other suspension parts went, as well