Tie rods installed "upside down"?

I just changed the tie rods on my lifted 4WD 2nd Gen Taco and they were connected to the knuckle from the top pointing down, not the bottom pointing up. Every video I watched showed them connected from the bottom. I can only assume that whoever lifted it prior to my purchase did it in order to minimize the angle from the steering rack to the knuckle. But what's weird is that the hole in the knuckle is tapered, and the taper is wider at the top. So it fits nicely into the tapered hole in the knuckle, no problem. Does this mean I have a custom knuckle of some kind? I also had to cut an inch off the new rod because the stock ones were too long. Verified this at the dealer and O'Reilly's, and I couldn't find anything that would fit without being shortened. Maybe this kind of customization is common with custom lifts? I don't know much about steering and suspension, I'm more of an engine-guy. (The pic was taken before the cotter pin was installed, I didn't just forget it)

 

That's all stock. Is the hole hollowing out?

what kind of "custom" lift do you have? Who installed it?

how about some details about your truck?

what's your alignment like? post the data sheet.

 

Is that a stock spindle? Looks a bit different to me. Is this truck on a 6” drop bracket lift or something?

 

Sorry, I don't know what you mean by "hollowing out"

ProComp. I bought the truck this way.

2006 4WD Gen2 Tacoma Double Cab

I had it aligned yesterday

 

I have a feeling the lift kit came with knuckles made to connect to tie rods from the top. I just don't know much about lift kits, looking for confirmation I guess.

 

Your lift calls for this installation orientation. It’s an aftermarket spindle.

 

this is normal with a procomp drop bracket lift to attach tie rods from the top. It reduces the angles compared to if you connect it from the bottom. No need to worry

 

Is that a hole in your axle boot?

 

The procomp 6” kit comes with new steering knuckles.