just checked under my jeep. my tie rod. has lots of play.
how much do I need to tighten it up?

 

If it has play it likely needs to be replaced. It should rotate up and down freely, but nothing else should ever move. The rod ends could be going out.

 

it does rotate up and down freely and that is all.
I must be mistaken. I thought it shouldn't move at all.

the jeep drives great and tracks straight down the road.
I was just under there checking things since i got my lift installed a couple weeks ago.

 

The rod ends are designed to have movement so they dont bind. As long as there is no end to end play its fine.