00 Tie Rod Questions

Hey guys, got a couple newbie questions that I hope someone can answer. I was planning on going the cheap route when buying some inner tie rods, now my car takes the 16 inch inners but they are a bit more expensive on rockauto. Would it be possible for me to place the 15 inch inners on my car? I know they are shorter, but not sure how it would affect my steering.

Also when taking of the tie rod ends which way would I turn the jam nut? I've read both counterclockwise and clockwise as answers. They are darn near welded with the tie rod end I can't see which way it gives when I wrench on it, it at all, got some Kroil today but doesn't seem to be doing the trick like I hoped.
Thanks!