1974 Thing - may already know the answer, but not sure.
Had the front end up in the air and decided to check up & down and Side to Side motion in the wheels to see how ball joints etc were.
The up and down had no play, but side to side on both wheels had some play/wiggle and you could see the tie rods wiggling I think in the pittman arm.
So I'm wondering how much play should there be if any at all?
Appreciate any input, and if there is suppose to be no play, are can I replace them myself and then take to front end alignment shop?
 
thanks
ron

That's what I thought, it could also be a bit of front bearings.
next question, they sell just the tie rod ends and also the whole complete rod with ends.
Is there one better than the other?

thanks

I replaced a tie rod end and then realized the little bit of play was in the steering box. Make sure you figure out which piece are causing the play unless you just want to make everything new

Thanks all,  when I had the front end up in the air and wiggling tires side to side the steering box knuckle seemed to sit still while the tie rod joints wallered around in the knuckle.  took the tires off and tried to make sure it wasn't the bearings.
Could it still be the steering box? one will find out hopefully next week.
By hunting did find the Thing shop actually had the short tie rod and steering damper(decided to replace it since it looked wet) cheaper, but JBugs had the best price on the long tie rod.

To me, not really. As soon as I start to turn the steering wheel, the wheels their selves turn. there's no what you call turning the steering wheel a quarter turn or so then the wheels turn or I should say, doesn't feel like any slop.

Still have to get with you at some point on the tranny re-build.. The guy down in Macon does sell trannies for $150 and guarantees them to be good. But as always there Pros and cons to everything. Also everywhere I read about yanking the tranny out, people mention one of the steps is to pull the motor.. Do I have to pull the motor to replace the tranny?
thanks
ron

Didn't want to hear that, but maybe because I never pulled a engine from a VW, but not sure where the "easy" part comes in..
Not sure If I trust myself about trying to push the stop plate around to see if this is the problem first,why reverse pops back into neutral.  

yep...I do agree with that.  When I get ready, may holler at someone
thanks