The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk steering components

I would say most likely, it was the backing plate/steering arm bolts. And I do agree, that will make for an unsafe situation. You should definetly reinstall the correct size bolts.
I do have a thought on the tie rod isue, especially since it is only the left side causing problems. If you are using the original style tie rods, the pre-load needs to be properly set. To do this, the end plug needs to be turned in until the spring is compressed solid. The plug is then backed off to the first cotter pin hole. You may need a special socket to do this, it is listed in the tool catalogs as a "drag link socket". I got mine from Snap-On. If the pre-load isn't set right, it will allow the tie rod to shift around, which is what it sounds like yours is doing.