how can i check worn tie rod ends and center link

[s10 rebel]

which is the best way to check for worn tie rod ends and center link I plan to drop my truck 2 more inches with springs i already have drop spindles and going to get an alignment after the drop and i would rather replace worn parts if i need to before the alignment.

[T Man]

jack the front up in the air and make sure its securely on jackstands, then shake everything down. Wiggle the tires left and right, and up and down, this will check for bad ball joints, wheel hubs etc. also hold the rod and shake it checking for looseness. Sparky, got anything else?

[Sparky2263]

The best way to ck. steering linkage and suspension is as T Man stated. Steering linkage is ck. side to side on a horizontal plane and suspension is checked up and down on a vertical plane.

Steering is everything from the steering wheel to the outer tie rod. Suspension starts with the spindle and includes everything from there to the control arm mounts.

You want the floor jack supporting the lower control arm when doing these cks. That will unload the ball joints allowing them to be checked for excess play. Keep in mind, some play IS okay. Many shops will try and sell you components and show you the play in them. Like pushing a tie rod in a vertical motion. A brand new one has play that way. Have someone grasp the tire and push it back and forth in a horizontal plane. Any slop in the steering will be seen. Then, use a pry bar under the tire and gently pry up under the tire while watching the ball joints. Anything over 1/8" is too much.

Our S-trucks are common for lower ball joint, idler arm, pitman arm, control arm bushing and center link replacement, lower ball joint and idler arm the most common. Least common is tie rod ends and upper ball joints.