when are tie rods bad?
 

How can you tell if you need to replace the tie rod ends. I am in the process of rebuilding the front suspension on my '82GT. I don't want to waste money on new ones if I don't need them. Is there a test I can do that will indicate they are bad?

It's really pretty cut and dry. raise the front of the vehicle so the tires are off the ground. Crawl underneath and using your hands, try to move the outer tie rod ends up and down. If the part has the slightest perceptible slack, replace it.

Take care,
-Chris

I don't get any up/down movement but I get a little twisting motion out of both of them. Is that normal?

Normal? Yes. Healthy? No. I'd go ahead and replace them as long as you're in there.

Take care,
-Chris