97SSer

So I'm new here, hope its not to early to post a thread asking questions, but I need some confirmation or correction on a front end diagnosis.

Any one know how to tell if R&P is going bad or has a bad bushing of some sort? I had a pull was told it was inner tie rod, replaced it and noticed play in the Rack when I installed the inner tie rod. By play I mean it moves up and down resulting in wheel moving left and right. So I can see how a shop would assume a bad tie rod. I found a great thread on LS1 about replacing the R&P so feel comfortable in doing that. Any help is appreciated! Thanks - JP