Problematic tie rod?-Cutlass

Hello! Well, I have everything fixed and I knew the struts were badly worn, so we're replacing them. Since we have everything off up front because we removed the transmission, we're also replacing the tie rod ends and ball joints for good measure. I have a 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera S 3.1L V6 (VIN M) that is in very good condition regardless of the issue at hand.

When we were getting ready to do the ball joints and tie rod ends tonight, someone noticed that the tie rod itself moves freely on the right side, but doesn't on the left side. He was doing the ball joints, I believe, and pointed out that the tie rod on the right side can be moved around relatively easy on the right side. It didn't sound bizarre or anything, just simply could move.

When he showed me the left side, he tried to move that tie rod and it did, but only a few inches (I'd say a few inches, anyways) and it was very tough to move. We weren't really sure what the condition of the tie rod should be in, so can someone answer that for me? Is it supposed to be stiff? I'm scouring Chilton's and Alldata to look for clues, but i've come up with nothing solid yet. How do I fix this? Does it need replacing or is this something I can just lubricate again, etc? Thanks for everyone's help in clearing this up for me!

A new ball joint should move(as with the one on your car) but shouldnt be sloopy or really loose.
One used for years also should be stiff, not sloopy loose.

Didnt you say you were replacing them anyways??

Make sure your steering knuckle isnt the problem too.
Where the tie rod goes through it, that hole can get outta round and become sloopy and a hazzard.

Hope that helped!