tierods and steering help on a 2000 psd

[97_powerstroke77]

the steering on my 2000 psd is very loose. I am curious to know what to check for before replacing the inner tierods. The grease boots seam to be worn and cracked a bit, and the balls swivel a little like normal. I was told by a mech that I needed to replace them and possibly the gear box. Has anyone had to do this job before and is correcting the steering an easy job? Is it possible to tighten up the gear box?

I am replcaing the sway bar links also.

[Donkey]

I had loose steering on my truck and suspected tie rods. It ended up being in the steering gear. It was diagnosed by a local alignment shop who adjted the slop out for about $30.