Roughrider, welcome to the Stovebolt. This is a great site as I have been here longer than I want to admit.
Sounds like you have found yourself a really good ride with lots of work already done.
About the tie rod ends.....this would be a great question to ask in the Driveline Forum. Everyone doesn't visit here each time they log in......since this is the welcome center we don't recommend asking questions here.
We are here to help and m any have been down the same paths and we are glad to help.
See you around the garage forums.
.....and watch for bolters from your areas. There are quite around.........well, many of them may be at the Stovebolt Homecoming in Va. this weekend!!!