1995 Plymouth Voyager Inner Tie Rods

Steering problem
1995 Plymouth Voyager V6 Front Wheel Drive Automatic 140000 miles

I just put four new tires on my mini-van and they also replaced the front rotors and disc pads as well as performed a front-end alignment. The mini-van also developed an issue that required me to take it to a Chrysler dealer. The issue was a radiator fluid leak that developed in the supply line to the rear heater.

While at the dealer, we asked them to do an inspection. During the inspection they found that the inner tie rods were worn and needed to be replaced. Obviously, this issue should have been found by the tire guys during the front-end alignment- I have talked to them and they are willing to work with me on the issue.

My question relates to what the dealer was trying to sell me in addition to the inner tie rods. He told me that they routinely replace the steering gear box along with the inner tie rods on mini-vans that have as much mileage as mine, because mixing the new tie rods with the old steering gear box would eventually cause the old gear box to develop a leak and I would very soon have to get it replaced and potentially be charged labor a second time for taking the system apart. Replacing the gear box now means that I would only be charged for the labor once.

I am hesitant to have them replace the steering gear box, because for one it nearly doubles the bill for dealing with the inner tie rods to $800, and because when I told this to the tire guys they said that they never replace the steering gear box, unless it is leaking. What is your take? Do you think the dealer is trying to have me do an unnecessary repair?

Thanks in advance for your help,

Ron