By counting threads/measuring carefully can tie rods be replaced without realignment?

[Ralph69220d]

You're right to get an alignment with a spreader bar and is familiar with MB's. If the car is tracking fairly well by the thread counting method it sounds you're okay until you get it professionally aligned. Once you have toe in, caster & camber on the money it makes a world of difference and is well worth the money. You'll get many more miles out of your tires too. Like twalgamuth said, you might get lucky & you might not in the short term.