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As to question #1 - yes it is false economy. Tie rod ends are disposable wear items. If you are messing with the boots/ inner rods just spend the $8 a piece (FCP Groton) and change them.
from FCP Grotn website
"These inner tie rods that we list are for vehicles with the original steering rack still installed on the car. To determine what type of Rack & Pinion was originally installed on the car, locate the service plate found on the Trunk frame or Door pillar. It will list many different components, with one being the "Steering Gear". On this plate, to the right of the words steering gear you will see a number - 2/3/4/5. The numbers 2, 4, or 5 designates a Cam Gear rack was used, number 3 designates a ZF rack was used.
Another Way to identify the brand of rack is to look at the rack boot end where it clamps around the tie rod. If the boot clamps around the shaft of the tie rod and has a hole the size of a dime, then you have a CAM rack. If the boot clamps around a rubber grommet that is on the tie rod, then you have a ZF rack. The rubber grommet is about 1" in diameter."
Happy Motoring
Miguel
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'86 244 and '87 245
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