Tie rod ends off, inners spin freely?

[PNWRunner]

I am in the process of replacing lower BJ's and both TRE's on my 99 4Runner with 200k. After getting the lock nuts off and getting the tie rod ends out, I find my drivers side inner tie rod assembly spins freely. (the whole thing, not just the boot) The passengers side also spins, but with much more resistance.

I dont have a clue what is under that boot, and maybe spinning is normal for these, but the fact one does and one doesn't indicates something is off.

Are my inner tie rods shot? any advice here would be much appreciated. This video is absolutely terrible quality but may give you an idea of what im talking about.

 

[YotaZach85]

Is there in and out play? If there isn't play then they're good.

 

[PNWRunner]

thanks! no play, i see now that there is a ball joint in there... let the install begin!

 

[Singtoe]

thanks! no play, i see now that there is a ball joint in there... let the install begin!

Even if there is no play, if they spin freely with no resistance then they are worn out. They need to be replaced.

 

[PNWRunner]

Bummer. I will probably do the whole rack then... no use spending $250 more on a rack with 200k

We will see how she drives after an alignment though

 

[Singtoe]

Bummer. I will probably do the whole rack then... no use spending $250 more on a rack with 200k

We will see how she drives after an alignment though

You can replace the inner tie rod ends. If the rack is not leaking and has no play in it, you should still be able to use it. If there is play on the drivers side, you might even just replace the rack bushing and solve that issue.