Does this look normal?

Got new lower ball joints the other day. Had a look at them and saw a gap between the ball joints and tie rod. Normal?

 

Hard to tell from your picture but it looks like your boot just tore.

Is the tie rod still tight? With the broken boot once the grit and dirt gets in it won`t last long!

 

Here's a better pic. The boots aren't torn. The tie rod boot isn't butted up against the ball joints. Is there supposed to be some free play in there?

 

Did you install the Ball Joints ?

Your boot does look compressed .

There should be no up and down play when prying on the tie rod.

One of those things after time you get a feel for when it is to loose.

 

An alignment should’ve fixed any gap or anything like that.
I always get one afterwards anyway.

 

The boot is just down too far on the joint.
As long as the joint seated all the way and the nut is tight, it's fine.

Ideally, you want the boot to come as close to the knuckle as possible.
That way the joint is protected from the elements.

It kind of looks like joint isn't seated where it once was by the "marks" on the joint.

 

(This was done by the mechanic. and they did an alignment after the install.)
I see what you are saying. I looked at them again after moving and driving the truck and now the boots are basically touching the top of the ball joint. Not sure why the boots are not decompressing, but just good to know they aren't loose or anything. Thanks for the replies

 

The boot may be sticking. Next time it is down, see if you can apply some lube to the shaft. A little dab of silicone will do.

 

agree with Chuy^^

 

i agree with what has been said above. The boot does not seem torn. Just check to make sure there is no play on BJ then pull the boot up. Make sure you are torquing those nuts to specs