Im confused.

I just Bought a VX a few hours ago (YAY!!!!!!), but it had mad alignment issues. So I took it to the alignment guys, and they tell me that they cannot align the vx due to the driverside tie rod was whack. He told me to go buy the assembly, end to end. since Im at it, do both sides.

My Understanding:
There are three parts to a tie rod assembly. Inner (toward middle), The Rod, and The outer (toward the wheel). The ends being inner/outer part.

I should be ordering two sets of inner and two sets of outer, which is 30 bucks each. (amazon)

My questions

Is the middle part / rod really that expensive? 121.00 each?
Does the brand / type for the mentioned parts matter?
When ordering ends, do you have to specify for what side?

Suggestions,

If the work is getting done , is there additional stuff i should change / upgrade.

My TIA, I will be around a lot. The VX I got is a good deal but far from perfect. I am really happy i finally got one.