Just wondering what the least amount of stuff i have to rip apart to take it out and replace it. Looked into a few threads and there seems to be varying opinions. I am mostly concerned with steering/suspension parts. One thread mentioned they didn't have to touch any of it.

Done lots of DIY repairs on my trucks. First time doing anything major on the Blazer though. It's a 2004 Full size 6cyl 4x4 btw.
Got the replacement from the wreckers. Looks like the side seals will have to be replaced. Anything else I should look at before I do this swap?

 

You have to disconnect actuator cable, ball joint, tie rod, drop A arm pull the hubs from CV shafts,remove shafts,unbolt housing from frame and wiggle out.

 

both ball joints and remove the whole thing or will just the lower ball joint give enough room to pop the cv's out?

 

Upper to get A arm out of the way and lower to drop lower A Arm enough to pull hub free from CV shaft. Or alternatively you could remove hub completely from spindle and possibly leave lower ball joint alone to do the same. Once you start disassembly you will see what needs to be done to remove it. I left the hubs attached to spindles, pulled A arm down to get them free from shaft and removed the shaft. This was for removal from salvage vehicle, ZR2, I did not reinstall on mine. (Yet )