Okay, lets try to sort out the confusion.

Have a look at the diagram. At the top is a drawing of the complete steering assembly - rack and pinion steering "box" (right hand drive)  rubber boots, tie rods and tie rod ends.
The tie rod ends thread onto the tie rods and are held in adjustment by a lock nut. It sounds like one of yours is missing.
It seems you ere able to separate the tie rod ends from the hubs.
To replace the boots, you need to remove the tie rod ends and lock nuts. The rods themselves will spin in the swivel ends inside the ends of the steering box. You do not need to remove the tie rods.
Is one of the lock nuts missing? If so, don't "whack" anything. Soak the tie rod and end at the threads with a good penetrating oil (not just WD40) Put some vice grips very tightly on the tie rod and remove the tie rod end. Then you can replace the boots.

When you reassemble things, you will need to adjust the toe-out. This is done by first centring the steering wheel by turning it lock-to-lock, counting the turns carefully and then turning it back half way so the wheel appears right way up. Then lock the steering wheel. There is also a place in the steering rack to insert a pin or rod to hold it in place, but that is more complicated than you need.

Now you can adjust the direction of each road wheel by loosening the lock nut, and turning the tie rod while holding the tie rod end until you have the wheel pointed in the right direction. You need to do both wheels equally until you achieve the correct toe-out. Unless you are good at strings and measurements, it wold be best to take it to an alignment shop and have them adjust it... if you can find a shop capable of doing it on the 12" or 10" rims you have. Some can't do it.

Note: the tie rod ends do not thread all the way on until the rods bottom out.

What side are you talking about. The Opposite side of the steering column?

hi everyone,

Been awhile since I’ve posted… i’m sitting in the garage with my dad and his 96 Rover Mini SPI. The inner tie rod and boot needs replacing.

Ive gotten as far as whacking out the outer tie rod bolt. The replacement INNER tie rod has conveniences for a wrench to go on it and tighten it up.

The one currently on the car, does not… which either tells me I need to whack this counterclockwise with a pipe wrench or the inner tie rod is not serviceable… what say you gurus?

Thanks for your help in advance