Greetings. My '85 300TD has started giving a noticeable 'clunk' in the front end, which appears to be the driver's lower tie rod assembly. I am guessing that I will go ahead and replace both sides. (I have already replaced the center link about 6 mos ago).

As I abhor going to the dealership, my questions are as follows:
a) is it a fairly simple R&R to replace these items? I understand that alignment is obviously recommended- (but I have already paid the dealership TWICE to align in the past year and do not want to pay them again :\.
b) can I take the old part and match the length/settings to the new part and get close to existing spec?
c) I am guessing that it is not worth just replacing the ends vs. complete new tie rod assembly? (existing 'rod sections' are not damaged if that matters)

Thanks in advance for the responses! Much appreciated.