tie rod slack

[j.cranor]

I've got the re-occuring "front end noise" that seems to be common around here. I've replaced just about everything but the tie rods and tie rod ends. Should there be some slack or give in the tie rods? If I grab the tie rod where it screws into the tie rod end and pull no movement or sound in any direction, but if I grab the tie rod at the same place and shake the vehicle by pushing up and down on the tow hooks, I can feel slack in the tie rod and can also hear a metallic pop. Driver's side and passenger both do this but the drive side is more pronounced. I've had to align 3 times in 63K miles and each time the toe has been off. Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[dogfriend]

I don't think you should see much movement at all. IIRC, the spec is less than 1/32 " which is not much at all.