I got a steering kit, non powered, and the outer tie rods seem different from the stock ones I just took off. Not in shape, but at the rubber ball joint. the rubber part moves freely where as the stock rubber part seemed clamped down. Am I missing some sort of small connection which would mate the rubber to the tie rod?

 

Nope some aftermarket parts don't captivate the boot. just put it on and connect it up. (usually those types of boots are only on the sealed joints (don't have a grease fitting)
jlg

 

ok thanks

 

My replacements were the same way. Once tightened down, the boot will hold grease but excess grease will escape around the base. That shouldn't be a problem.