thought my front end was making an odd sound. so I went and checked. nothing is loose and I can't replicate the sound so I guess it was nothing. but I noticed the tie rod ends are facing in opposite directions. is this normal, or is there a problem. I don't feel any issues. but it did feel strange in the steering when I drove it for about 60 yards in reverse downhill (hill was at about a 30* angle). here a picture of it. my truck has 52,000 miles on it

drivers side


passenger side


BTW, I know I need to remove rust and paint. and ignore the white walls on the inside. I got the tires for free (brand new). and you can't see the white walls from the outside unless you actually look under my truck

 

yeah, that is what mine look like

 

U can move that by hand theres nothing wrong its just a ball in a socket like ur arm going into ur shoulder if that makes sense

 

Yeah, doesn't matter at all what way they're flopped, as long as they aren't loose (worn out).

Yeah, wow, a lot of surface rust on there! Guess that truck has seen a little salt...

tell us specifics (how, when, what) about the sound and maybe we can help. Or get a buddy to bounce it as you lie under it and listen gto locate where it is coming from.

 

Bearing surfaces always have a high stress point. As the metals wear you'll see the parts in thier free state migrating towards a looseness position. (assuming they are lubricated)

Basicly.. as long as they are freely moving.. but not loose. Your fine.

Rich