Ford Repair: Ford Windstar 2000 Tie-rods, inner tie rod, ford windstar

Question

Front Passenger Hello,
I recently had an accident where the passenger front tire was bent in.  The body shop replaced the tire and the strut.  After about 4 weeks, I heard rattling.  I recently took my vehicle in to a local repair shop for something unrelated and they mentioned that the inner tie rod is loose and worn on the passenger side and needs to be replaced.  They also indicated that this tie-rod is connected to the strut that was replaced.
My question is:  Is the strut and the inner tie-rod connected?  I feel that the integrity of the inner tie-rod was compromised by my accident and should have been replaced from the start.  See photos.

Answer
Sorry for your wait, I have been on vacation. It is too hard to say, without looking at the vehicle. It is possible that the rod end was not completely shot during the wreck, but was damaged during the installation of the strut. Try to keep in mind the age and millage of the van, the timing is about right. The wreck certainly did not help matters, but causing the problem I can only guess by not looking at the part. Get in touch with your policy agent, they may help you out.