Anybody have photos of bad tie rods?

Anybody have photos of what tie rods that need to be replaced look like? Trying to compare mine and don't know what looks good or whatever. Thanks

 

not really going to tell from "looking". Easy way to check is to lift up the front the truck onto jackstands, lock the steering wheel, grab the tire at 3 and 9 oclock positions, and wiggle back and forth. If there seems to be some excess movement (there will be a tiny bit from the steering rack but not a lot), chances are the tie rods are wearing down and probably need replaced. Once off the steering rack, you can confirm by trying to move the ends with your hands; if new, very tough to do. If worn out, they can move with ease.

 

^ if it's real loose and fairly obvious.

if it's not...

I check tr's using the 2nd party method...

vehicle on the ground...
while one person turns the steering left to right...
I put my hand on the itre/otre and feel for movement.
if it's bad enough... it can be heard as well.

the noise or feel would be noticed during steering transition
from right to left... full left to right steer. lock is not necessary