Tie rod question/replacement

[jk051]

Hi,
My 98 xlt 4x4 has got a nice clunk when i shake it side to side. I got under it yesterday and looked around for what was causing it and seemed to have narrowed it down to the passenger side tie rod. When i grab hold of the shaft right around where the retaining nut is (sorry if i use the wrong terms here...im not a genious like some of you people) and move that corner of the truck up and down i can feel a definite clunk in the shaft. The problem is that im not sure if its the inner tie rod or the tie rod end causing the clunk. Any suggestions on how to tell? I know the TR end isnt too hard to replace but im not sure how to go about replacing the inner...is it too difficult? I havent noticed too much play in the steering...is this a problem i should fix right away or can i wait on it?

Thanks

 

[Diddy74]

Good question I believe my driverside tie rod is either loose or busted I feel a clunk right thru the floor board and all the other components(ball joints and links are tight) the steering is a little loose and i'm taking it for an alignment soon(friggin NYC potholes) the chilton manual makes it look simple, but I was curious myself if it needed replacing how difficult it would be

 

[Hartman]

I would be sure that it's not a balljoint before you start replacing parts. Balljoints make those same kind of noises.

 

[Diddy74]

Ive pushed, pulled, bounced, pounced, wiggled, jiggled, the wheels every which way and no movment.