1967 Cyclone GT Front Suspension question...

[Cyclone Joe]

I am starting to put the front end of the car back together, and I have  a question about one of the tie rod ends.  I can easily move one of the of tie rod ends, or ball stud, by hand.  There is no slop, rattle or chatter present, but I can move it without much effort.  It moves smoothly throughout the range of motion and doesn't appear to be worn at the socket interface (removed the grease to see if there were wear marks).  The other three are much tighter; one I can move with a fair amount of effort, the other three I can barely budge. 

How loose is too loose with these items?

Thanks in advance

Joe

[jayb]

Hmmm, for the cost of a tie rod end I think I'd replace the loose one.  I don't know if it would cause you a problem or not, but why take chances?

[rcodecj]

If there is any perceptible play I would change it. Hard to say without actually seeing it but it sounds like it is moves quite freely, an indication of wear.
The outer tie rods always seem to wear out first. If it were me I would replace both because you will have to reset the toe anyway and the other one is probably not far behind in wear.

[machoneman]

3x to that. If you had a new Moog or TRW end in hand, it would be mighty stiff when one tried to wiggle the stud.  Get new outers for peace of mind.

[Cyclone Joe]

Alrighty thanks!  Two new tie-rods.  I wish I woulda remembered to ask this question before I painted everything.  Once I get the front end put back together, I'll post photos!

Joe