can you tell if it is long tire rod tht is bad or short one

 

There is a fair amount of twist in those but that alone doesn't mean they are bad... just getting there. What needs to be checked is end play. Get someone to turn the steering wheel back n forth while you inspect. This test will be a bit more conclusive. There may be a small amount of play that is almost unnoticeable to the eye... You have to almost feel for the slack while the steering wheel is being turned.

 

Good advice from crazy, another thing you can due is to jack up driver side and see if you can wiggle tire, keep an eye on your rod ends. If you can move your tire look at all your joints, drag link, idler arm. repair from worst back or do them all if you got $. Our DOT does this as part of thier spot checks. good luck hope you can replace them yourself and save.

 

had someone look at it today. he said it was not really bad.
when i had oil changed and trans flush. they told me tire rod was bad '
i was scared to drive it. the steering is still tight.
it don't pull. to right or left.
found me grill today for it. get it on this weekend.
the guy i got it from had complet dash from a 73 his was a ranger mine is explorer 74 i changed out my cluster. old one nothen work but speedO new one i have lights real dim turn all the way up. nothen else works. not sure if his dash fit mine.
didn;t look like the one i have. he has the whole dash pulled whit cluster

 

With old electrical its really important to make sure your contacts are clean. A light coat of lithium grease AKA 'light bulb grease' will slow down corrosion. My dash is dying from old age and my truck is welll maintained so don't feel like your truck is picking on you.good luck