I was checking my tie rods today. One side looks a little crooked where it connects at the top. I could also twist both sides like on a motorcycle throttle. Should I be able to do this?

 

Yes.
Those are pivot points, they pivot. The problems arise when they slop around (mostly due to the crappy OEM design). When they develop slop and shift back and forth when you yank on them, it's time to replace them with MOOG brand. The MOOG tie rods will outlast your truck as long as you grease them once in a while.

My truck has over 45K on it, I suspect I'll be replacing tie rods before the year is out. My last F150 needed tie rods at 35K.

 

WHERE CAN I GET THESE 'MOOG ' ITEMS ??

I NEED TO DO MY WHOLE FRONT END TIE RODS, (INNER, OUTER) BALL JOINTS, I ARM (???), ROTORS (DRILLED),BRAKES ETC

 

napa sells them

 

you could also try www.rockauto.com they also sell them

 

with tie rods you shouldnt be able to move them up and down in the socket take pry bar and try to do this just dont go to the extream and try to bend them.....