Tie Rod End - vertical movement with initial turn

2005 Double Cab 140k

Just replaced steering rack with used but good condition rack. NEW tie rod end (MOOG), NEW rack bushings (Poly).

Tires - 255/80/17 (F yeah)

Trying to diagnose a small amount of steering slop that seems to lead to a tad bit of wandering feel on freeway (especially with ruts).

Slop is only in the initial half inch of steering wheel movement.

When watching tie rod ends and moving steering wheel, they move vertically about an 1/8" or 1/4" (might be more, rough guess).

Is that normal play or should i snug the tie rod end castle nut down a half turn or so?

Thanks!

 

Inner or outer? If inner and not a bad tie rod it's the rack.

 

Seemed like the outter.

I need to investigate more to figure this out cause its killin' me.

Basically the truck drives/handles great (OME suspension), but there is a dead zone in the steering at the very center before the wheel engages on either side. This leads to an annoying "wandering" sensation especially over 50mph and on rutted freeways.

Any ideas of how to diagnose where this play is coming from?

Take back to alignment shop?

 

Update!

OK, finally got around to some more diagnosing - with one side jacked up at a time, there is no distinct "clunk" that might indicated tie rod end issues (inner/outter). BUT there is significant play in the upper control arm bushings and the lowers show signs of wear as well. I am thinking that these bushings are the cause of the "wandering" feel while driving at speed. After lifting the truck and putting larger diameter tires i bet I am over powering the worn out original bushings.

Any suggestions on upgrades here? Balljoints (both) and I am leaning towards new upper control arms that have bushings already.