I have a 2001 ford ranger with the 3.0 and 2wd. I was checking my brakes and rotors and everything else behind the tires, i do this when i rotate the tires to prevent any issues. Will i noticed the left wheel i am able to move it just a little bit, i checked the wheel bearing that is good. so i look more and saw that the tire rod at the steering rack in is moving. Now is there a u-joint underneath the boot i can replace or do i need to replace the whole steering rack. Do keep in mind that the steering rack is not leaking and working perfectly. I do know its not the ball joints those are rather new and like i said not moving there just at the steering rack end. I'm worried i can cause tire wear issues and lose of steering control. so i want to kick this in the but ASAP. Please any advice is help full and maybe even some part numbers if possible. Thanks in advance.

 

there is NOT a inner u-joint inside the boot

there are 2 inner tie rods and 2 outer tie rods

you should replace the inner tie rods at the same time as the outer tie rods