So, When I turn the wheel while parked or at low speeds to make a turn, there is a loud pop. I'm told its the tie rods. Any one know what it is exactly, and if it's something that a person with basically no mechanical experiance could do at home?

 

Tie rod ends are easy, but it may not be that. The radius arm bushings do cause this a lot. You should check them out. If it is the tie rod ends, they are attached to the tie rod and drag link, and bolted to the steering knuckle. There is a jam nut that keeps them in place so loosen it, unscrew the bolt that holds the end to the knuckle, pop it off the knuckle and unscrew it from the tie rod or drag link. Count how many turns it takes to remove it and screw the new one on the same amount of turns. You are supposed to get an alignment after this.

 

Well, I know I definately need an alignment. it pulls to the right bad, and the popping or whatever seems to be coming fron the passenger side.

 

Could also be the ball joints popping, I had the same problem with my 83 and the lower ball joints were toast.

 

I would look into the passenger side radius arm bushing as sean said