front wheel horizontal free play question

so im trying to cure some problems handling/ride quality problems on a new to me tacoma. 1996, 4x4, 4 cyl.

i have jack the front end up, and placed on jack stands. when i grab the driver-side wheel(one hand at 9 oclock and the other hand at 3 oclock) there is about an inch of free play. there isnt any movement in the tie rod end ball joint. it seems to be coming from where it connects to the rack and pinion.

is it the inner tie rod?

is this the part i need?
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=4169757&cc=1278929

is this a straight forward install?

anyone have a pdf file(aka service manual) that has some guidance??

 

there sure is an inner tie rod, and it looks like your photo.
Have someone look to see if your rack is moving when you move your wheel.
Common to need rack bushings

 

X2.
I'd suspect either rack bushings or inner tie rod. Free play in an inner is harder to spot than slop in an outer rod, because the inners are covered with the boot for the rack. Rack bushings are really common as well. Fortunately, the bushings are cheap. I think I got my replacement kit for around $20 online.