Andy- the tie rod upgrade is worth it and easy to do yourself.
The widow behind is moving and asked me to clean and caulk all of her windows in preparation for selling the house. She and her hubby smoked so there is that gross nicotine film on everything.
She made up a solution of H20, ammonia, and rubbing alcohol that literally dissolves the film. Pretty darn amazing!
She is also going to pay me to keep her yard maintained until the house sells.
Cash is always a nice addition to the family budget.