How about after replacing the entire tie rod?

Jag dealer told me "Front tie rod boots Torn"

Does it not make sense to ONLY replace the boots... or should the whole tie rod be replaced at that point?

Also... same thing for the lower control arm bushings "Front Lower Control Arm Bushings Torn". Alignment needed after that?

Reason I ask, is I'm going to have a mobile mechanic with import/Jag exp come and look things over. He said he can do the tie rod boots, but obviously he won't have a rack to do an alignment on. I'm just wondering whether the 2 jobs I just mentioned would be better off done in a shop.

Thanks Gentlemen. Your assistance has been greatly appreciated!

SirJag

 

Well, if you carefully measure where the jam nuts are, you can replace the boots and put the tie rod ends back where they were, And THEORETICALLY, you could measure the tir rod positions and eplace with new rods set to that position.
Both are moot your case, in my anything but humble opinion. You know the car was not particularly well maintained, so spring for the alignment, unless you will be needing tires real soon anyway.

 

absolutly you need an alignment. Even if you measure and put the same number of turns. It only gets it ballparked, no 2 pieces are gonna have the same tolerances. But arent new tires cheaper than an alignment?<(Sarcasm). Anytime you replace bushings, tie rods, springs, anything that changes the ride height, or refreshes the "tightness" of the suspension you should have the alignment checked and adjusted. Wiped out tires from incorrect alignment is just foolish waste of money.