Hello all. Long time lurker and first time poster.
I have a 2012 JKU
Have the RPM 2.5 ton steering system and getting ready to install the PSC big bore steering box. Figured I’d crawl under and while my wife was turning the steering wheel back and forth and looked over all the joints. Found this very minimal lateral play in the right side tie rod end.
Opinions on if it should be replaced or if I’m just overthinking it.
Thanks.
(Yes I have the infamous JK steering clunk)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_gS...w?usp=drivesdk

 

I can't seem to get the video to play off Drive, but it could be my device. The easiest way to get videos here is to upload to YouTube and then simply paste a link in the post. That will embed the video here. Lateral movement sounds like normal misalignment to me but hard to tell not seeing it.

 

see if this works

 

Doesn't look like those tie rod joints are loose to me but the entire axle assembly looks like it is moving sideways. I would check all to do with the trackbar mounts and bushings.

 

So that has an "anti-flop" end, or a "low misalignment" end so the TR doesn't flop forward and backward like in a factory application. I would say you're still going to have a little lateral movement and that is normal IMO. I have a Fusion 4x4 2.5-ton TR which is very similar. Even though it too is low misalignment I get a small bit of lateral movement when turning as well. You should be seeing similar on the other side though but since you don't mention that side it has me wondering a bit. I get just an equal bit of misalignment in both sides on mine.

 

The best way to check for play in tie rod ends is to put your hand on the joint and the knuckle. If you feel play then the joint is worn. I use the metalcloak setup and it also has the anti flop deal, I have zero play in mine with about 10k miles on it with some decent rock crawling and hydro steer. I may be wrong but if I feel play then I would replace it. This feel method works well too for sector shafts and drag link ends.

 

I would not be happy with that. To me, that end needs to be changed. It will continue to get worse - quickly IMO.