Mitsubishi Repair: Replacing an left inner tie rod on a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, inner tie rod, wheel alignment

Question
Hi,
I recently had a wheel alignment done on my lancer and was told by the auto shop that my left inner tie rod had some play and needed to be replaced. I definitely can feel the play. My steering wheel shakes and the left tire is getting worn down. My heartburn is the amount the auto shop wanted to charge for the part and labor. I can purchase the part for less than half of what they would charge us. My husband is pretty good at general auto repair, but I have a few questions. Is it difficult to replace the inner tie rod? Does it take any special tools? What would your recommendation be - auto shop replace or on our own?
Thanks for your time.

Answer
Well it is always better to have a shop do it for safety because it is a very important to get it right or there could be so huge problems.

But if he knows what he is doing then I say go for it.

Tie rods are not that hard to do, the hardest part is to get it out!
The crazy part of it is that some need special tools and some only need like a 19 mm wrench. With this said I can help you get the job done step by step but will need more info on your car and you time to do this. If your not up for the job then I would go to the shop the best part of going to the shop is that it will be under warranty.

Ask the shop if there willing to give you a new alignment with the price because after this is replaced your going to need a new one.

I would also shop around to at lease three different shops to get the better price.
Let me know if there is anything else and what you decide thanks again, Kevin