73 tie rod question

I guess you call it a tie rod. Does the rod that the steering stabilizer mounts to suppose to have an upward arch, or is mine bent? My dad always drove it hunting, but not really any hard offroading.
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they should be straight.

Tie rod goes from wheel to wheel. Drag link goes from hte steering box to the wheel.

 

Then, how much clearance is there supposed to be between the tie-rod and the top of the springs?

 

This dimension will depend on what springs (how much lift) you have.
If you suspect possible spring to tie-rod interference, you should investigate that with your suspension fully flexed on both the right and then the left sides.
Post a picture and plenty of ideas will be provided.

 

Are tie rods hard to change? Do you have to wrestle with the ends to get them out of the holes?
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search for the "tie rod flip" it changes the tie from the bottom to the top. Giving extra clearance and correcting steering angles if your jeep is lifted.
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Another method is to remove the nut from the tie rod end, put one hammer on the steering arm where the tre goes in, then wack the other side of the steering arm with a BFH. Usually that will shock the tie rod end out without damaging it. Another method is a tre puller or a two jaw puller. Put pressure on the tie rod end with the puller then wack the knuckle where the tie rod end goes through. Almost always come out that way without damage. DO NOT HAMMER ON THE TRE STUD. I've seen 'em mushroom bad enough where even when they came loose the mushrooming wouldn't let them come out of the knuckle.