How to assess inner tie rods

I’ve got my tie rods loose while doing an LBJ swap. Steering is a little loose. The rod ends drop right to the ground without support. Any good tests for assessing the status of the inner tie rods? Might tackle this while things are apart.

 

I’m doing mine this weekend. When I had the wheel on it had 3 and 9 play with no movement from the outer tie rod, so I boiled it down to the inner. You can also hold the outer tie road and have someone check for play, if there is still play it’s an inner.

 

I don't know if the price has changed substantially, but the OEM ITRs were quite pricey when I replaced them several years back. What I should have done to start with, and eventually decided to do anyway, was buy a new complete OEM steering rack from McGeorge Toyota (now Ourisman) which comes with new OEM ITRs and boots. If the OEM steering rack in your Taco is the original, you are probably better off replacing the entire rack just to check that box.

New OEM steering rack from McGeorge with new ITRs and boots: ITRs on the old rack were drooping from play and the seals were leaking. The boots and ITRs on the old rack had already been replaced once.

 

If there is any play to inr ties…they are done….just pull on them with your hands

leid is correct, if you buy new rack assembly, inner ties/boots included

another option is a RM rack vendor
They replace all rack seals/boots/inner ties too
ADCO is national RM place
If you live in a metroplex area there are much cheaper companies as well
One day turn-around

 

I would (and did) replace the rack with an OEM from Ourisman (probably best OEM price you'll find.) . Steering problems are so hard to diagnose, if your inner TRE's are going there's probably other issues. The price hurts but you'll be glad you did.