getting ready for inspection lots of play in drivers side tie rod !

[abscate]

The ball joint in the inner tie rod is worn out. You also need to replace that boot, or else the rack piston will corrode and then you will need a new rack , $300 plus 4-6 hours labour.

[bronco]

The ball joint in the inner tie rod is worn out. You also need to replace that boot, or else the rack piston will corrode and then you will need a new rack , $300 plus 4-6 hours labour.

I undid the out rod from the knuckle and it just feels like the inner tod ball is fine, because the boot is gone I can literally see that rod that comes out of the rack wobble like 1/16th in every direction in whatever direction i choose to push.

Where the inner part of the boot clamps i can put a screw driver and pry the rack and see play. Is there supposed to be some sort of bushing there or plastic ring that maybe cracked and fell out that is allowing it to move? It can't be a seal there because there is no leakage there must be a seal on the inside i assume.

Is there a diagram or blow up view of these racks ? with part numbers or what have you.

I suppose i need to see which rack it has first