drag link help

[Buddy]

Ok i am just about to take my truck in for a inspection. It hasnt been on the road in awhile due to the rebuild. Saying that I havent even ever drove it. I replaced almost everything on the front end except the front and rear drag link.My question is how do you tell when there bad. I can turn the link itself side to side ina twisting motion anbout 1/2" either way. The pin (stud..whatever its called)and nut on the top seem good they dont move at all. The front and rear move about the same. I just have no idea on how to tell

[VileZambonie]

It should twist it just shouldn't have any axial or lateral play ie up and down or side to side movement betweeen the ball stud and the socket. Have an assistant rock the wheel back and forth while you observe and then jack up the LF tire, rock the tire back and forth while you inspect.