Hokie ... while your expertise is certainly evident... you may be overlooking the fact the replacement tie rod may not be identical to the original. An aftermarket item might (and very likely may) have different dimensions than that removed.
A more accurate method would be to measure the distance between tie-end centers and see that the new installation is the exact same (OR to completely Re-do the toe-in/toe-out adjustments per the manual specs.)
Phantomgeo, there’s no reason to change a tie rod end simply because of a torn boot. The boot’s purpose is to prevent contamination from dirt/mud/etc from getting inside the mechanism and you can take an old inner-tube, cut a rectangle from it, wrap it around the existing tie-rod-end twice (leaving the over-lapped seam on the bottom) and secure it on each end of the innertube with ty-wraps or hose clamps or baleing wire. It will accomplish the objective and cost virtually nothing.
Do not try to hammer the existing tie-rod-end off the pitman-arm... (unless you know how to do this without stressing the arm, such as by bracing the arm with a larger mallet and striking the old tie rod on the end of it’s stud. If you don’t understand that comment.... buy a cheap fork or borrow one from AutoZone. If you get your tie rod ends from somewhere else, buy any tie rod end from them and return it ... the clerk won’t care.... give them some business in other ways if your conscience bothers you.)
HOpe this helps.