anyone replaced an inner tie rod?

My van is at the shop and may require inner tie rods. At this point I'm just getting an inspection done. Has anyone done this? I know that there are tools which assist in the removal but haven't come up with anything concrete.

Any info suggestions welcomed.

Piper

If you live near one, Autozone will loan an 'inner tie rod end socket'. It's basically a socket that has an integral hollow extention for the rod part. CarQuest sells one, but it's ~$100.

The job is very easy to do. Be careful to get a new tie rod that will work with the tool. Some will not work with it. Also, be sure that you tighten the new rod to the steering rack at the correct torque. In changing mine, I used an open end wrench and under tightened it. Over time it started to come loose. Fortunately it was found before a disaster occured.