quick ball joint and steering rack question

[bnpimpn]

Question 1: (ball joint)

i recently replaced my ball joints in my car. Just wondering if you guys have had problems threading past the locking plastic part on the nut( the whole threaded part would begin to turn inside the ball joint)....i put my jack under the control arm and jacked it up a bit...and somehow allowed me to tighten the nut up. Is this supposed to happen? how do i know whether or not i tightend it enough...since i cant get my torque wrench in there. Should i try to re tighten it while its tires are on and its sitting on the ground?

Question 2: (steering rack)

I also replaced my tie rod ends, but found out that my steering rack needs replacement since there is a little play in the ball and socket. I know i need to get a wheel alignment done...but is it possible to do that if theres play in there??? Cause i cant afford to replace the rack just yet.

 

[bnpimpn]

well i just re-tightend some stuff i hope i never facked the ball joints up. Some one has to know whether or not they can do an alignment on a car that has a little play in the steering rack. Please any info would be appreciated.

Thanks.