Tie-rod / Ball Joint question

I'm trying to figure out what parts to buy for my 1985 245 front end.
When I jack up the front wheels I get lots of play. I've read a bit
about bearing adjustment, etc., but I don't think my play is bearing
related.

So, it's really got some easy play when jacked up and I grab the sides
of the wheels. I grabbed the tie-rod and it seemed like the play was
mostly on the engine side. I want to say I could move the rod back and
forth enough to really notice. I'll guess and say 1/4-inch, but don't
hold me to that. It did not feel like I had motion at the tie rod
ends.

I'm thinking I want to replace the tie-rod ends, probably the lower
ball joints, but am not sure if I'm supposed to replace the tie-rods
and more. The boot on the passenger side is split in two, so I'll
replace the boots. I'm just not familiar with tie rods enough to know
what to replace and when.

Any help is always appeciated.

Thanks,
Jamie

 

To 'feel' wheel bearings, grab the top and bottom (12:00 and 6:00) of
the wheel and rock it 6 to 12 to 6.
Rod ends, etc are the 3:00 to 9:00 movements.

 

Thanks Clay,
I understand that much, where I am confused is if I have rocking at 3
and 9, which means the tie-rods, do I need to replace the inner tie
rod? Just the end? I'm not sure how much needs replacing.

I did notice on the driver's front wheel some 6 and 12 rocking, so I
need to see if the bearing needs tightening, repacking or replacing. I
just wasn't sure what parts to replace for the tie-rod movement.

Thanks,
Jamie

 

Probably the inner tie rods are shot, too.

A pretty easy fix: hold the tie rod still on the flat spot with a
wrench, to keep it from spinning, while you use a large adjustable end
wrench to loosen and unspin the inner tie rods from their attachment
point to the steering rack. The wrench will grip on to two flat spots
on the inner tie rod end.

 

10-4. Thanks. I just wanted to be sure this wasn't one of those cases
where they say, "tie-rods hardly ever fail, you need to replace
(blank) instead."

I think I'll replace the rods, ends and most all bushings associated.

Thanks,
Jamie