02-15-2011, 11:29 PM
Regarding the alignment, as long as you don't move the locking nut too far (as in: just move it so it is no longer locked to the tie rod end, maybe a 1/16 of a turn) then the alignment usually won't be horrible once you install the new piece. Yes, you will want to get it aligned, but it certainly would be drivable for a few days without chewing the tires.
Bob
Bob