I have an '88 Formula with 202K miles. Over the years I have replaced the suspension bushings with poly, new ball joints, shocks/struts, lowering springs. My question is, the car is a bit squirrely as it goes down the road. One thing that is still original on the car is the tie rod ends and steering rack. What is the service life of these two items? Could this be the cause of the cars nervous behavior or is it simply because it is a 26 Y/O car with 202,000 miles and she is just wore out!?!

Poly bushings, and maybe lowered car, could cause this.
Poly bushings can wear out, even without making any noise.
Any bolt goes thru Poly bushing must be tight. They have no teeth to bite as OE rubber does and inner sleeve can move easier for this.
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Rack/column problem are easy to find... Start See my Cave, Steering

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[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 09-24-2014).]

Bad alignment or a bad shock/strut can do it too, even if its not old.

[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 09-24-2014).]

quote Originally posted by 2.5: Bad alignment or a bad shock/strut can do it too, even if its not old.

That too.
Find a real alignment expert. Local tire store like only follows direction on the machine.
Most of shock/strut won't last long on Lowered cars. Problem cause by pistons hitting end of travel in the body, etc.

If you feel slop in the steering wheel when doing down the road (can move it side to side w/o any change in vehicle direction) then there is likely wear in one of the tierods.

Dartiness on the 88 is normally the long lateral link bolt in the rear works loose (especially after you install poly bushings). If the car changes directions when you blip the throttle, it is likely this bolt.

Another common cause is to hit a bump and knock one of the front upper a-arms loose, which causes a severe toe out condition and makes the front of the car dart from side to side - especially in the rain.