Tie Rod questions

Ok guys I know hardly anything about suspension. That is one of my weaknesses lol. Like superman if you throw suspension at me I will die lol.(I need to get to bed). Anyways. I know my passenger tie rod bushing has nothing there lol. But I dont know if it is an outer or inner. How do I find out? Can the bushing be removing without tearing the whole thing apart? Umm is there like an upgrade I can do? What will he upgrade do if there is one available. Sorry so many question . I just figured I would put them all out there so someone can respond to all of them instead of posting one at a time.

You have to lift the front end,and with both hands on either side of the wheel,shift the wheel side to side. if you feel and clunking its the tie rod. or remove the wheel and cup your hand over the outer tie rod while a friend pulls the rotor side to side.if the tie rod is faulty you will feel the "loosness" in your hand.to check the inner tie rod,give the outer a few good whacks with a BFH after removing the cotter pin and nut. after separating the tie rod from the knuckle,push and pull firmly on the tie rod assembly with both hands,if you feel a cluncking,its the inner.there are no upgrades for the Riv.only whats commonly available.Moog parts have allways done me right.besides,inner and outer tie rods are cheap.if ya got the time and $ I say just go ahead and replace em along with the ball joints.the ball joints are another can of worms in that,they are riveted to the control arm. the rivets have to be impacted out and and the new bolted in place. its all in good fun so just go for it...hope this helps

To add to robo....you don't need to remove the outer tie rod end from the knuckle in order to check the inner. You will need a friend for help....As they wiggle the tire side to side, you need to watch the outer tie rod end. Usually, you can see it moving in the knuckle. Or, grab a hold of it while your helper wiggles, you will feel the "knocking". For the inner, you can grab the rack boot and squeeze it until you feel the inner joint in your hand (it will feel kinda like a ball). Same thing, have your helper wiggle the tire side to side and you will feel "knocking".

Now, don't be afraid to "wiggle" that tire hard man. Pretend you're trying to rip it off....

FYI, usually the outer tie rods go first, because they are more exposed to debris, and they do more work (much more movement) than the inners. I think my outers started going about 150k, the inners are still good at 219k.