Flaming river rack and pinion?

So I'll have to take the tie rods off and then unscrew that coupler from the threaded rod. Correct? I noticed that when I turn it, the threaded rod turns also. Is it suppose to do that? Is this going to have to be repeated on the drivers side also?
What ya think, 1/2", 3/4"?
Sorry for all the question, but this is like all Greek to me.