Tie end rod

A cut boot doesnt warrant broken tie rod. Clean off the boot and with rubber cement, reglue it together.

Being able to move the steering linkage on a stationary tie rod end warrants replacement.

If you want to replace it you will still need to take the truck to a shop for an alignment. Not saying you cant, just saying its easier if you let the shop do it because the truck will need the alignment.

Removal
Where the "rod" screws in is critical. Count the threads that are exposed. The new rod will need this amount exposed as well. Remove cotter pin from the castellated nut. Unscrew the castellated nut. If you have a tie rod remover tool the next part is a snap. Insert the tie rod tool between the tie rod and steering arm, and hammer away on end of tool till tie rod seperates. No tie rod removal tool? Ok here is the fun part. You might get it to release by hammering on the threads. The other way is to give a good hard "whack" with a heavy hammer to the side of the steering arm (where the bolt passes through from the tie rod). Presuming you have it removed, now loosen the small bolt on the collar to the steering control linkage (the end that screws on to the threads your supposed to count). You should now be able to unscrew the tie rod.

Installation
presuming you remember the amount of threads exposed. Turn the new rod into the steering rod till the appropriate number of threads are left exposed. Place the tie rod end into the hole. Find the torque setting for the new castellated nut and apply that to draw the tie rod end into the steering arm. Adjust the castellated nut with a wrench so that you can place a new cotter pin through the hole locking the castellated nut in place. Tighten the collar on the steering control rod. Insert and gently tighten new grease fitting. Grease new tie rod end till grease begins to ooze out of new rubber boot. Call your nearest truck garage and have them do an alignment on the new install.

Oh by the way? If you messed up on the install? When you take the truck in, the shop may end up replacing all the work you just did because something went wrong on your end. But hey, you saved your self maybe a hours worth of work in the shop to know you did it yourself.

 

Yah, tie rod ends are a pretty basic job and not that hard to do with right tools at the shop and shouldn't be expensive. For someone to do in their driveway at home can be really hard to get done. 90% of all tie rods I change out are seized in the tube. Just a pita if you don't have the right tools and pit to work in. I am glad to hear you are taking in. Don't feel bad about that. I have seen lots of guys do their own tie rod ends and don't do an alignment because they "counted the turns". Then their tires wear. Counting the turns is NEVER reliable! No two tie rod end are ever the same length and you would be amazed how much the toe will be out!