Quick tie rod question

[Heimeken]

Looking through my collection of junk, I can't tell which tie rods are fairly new, old or very old. What should I look for to be able to if they are still good?

[J4GRAND]

A good way to check if the "ball" in the tie rod is good is to put a nut on the tie rod threaded shaft and secure the nut in a vise. If there is play in the ball, tie rod is no good.