It takes maybe 2 hours for a rookie to replace the inner+ outer tie rod on a 2002 rwd. My tips are 1. There is not much room behind the inner tie rod to pull the stud from the center link. Two things can help you. When you raise the car, raise both wheels so you can better reposition the tie rod. also when you pop the ball joint leave the nut off the stud. 2. Remember that the inner tie rod is reverse threaded. 3. The outer tie rod rubber cup cannot be raised up so you have to use a grease gun to fill it.

 

To check steering/suspension components on a Blazer type vehicle, put vehicle on jackstands (jackstands on frame) with front tires just barely off the ground. Pull front tires together hard, and then push them apart hard (back and forth) - looking for play in any of the tie rod ends or up/down motion of the idler arm. Inspect pitman arm for play when shaking driver's wheel back and forth. Inspect shocks for leakage where rod comes out of body. Inspect inner and outer bushings of all four control arms - rubber inserts gets worn and sloppy. Inspect stabilizer bar for missing or worn bushings. Put floor jack under lower control arm and start to jack up so spring starts to compress - now ball joints are unloaded and that side can be checked. Stick a 2-3 ft pry bar under the tire and raise the tire up/down - looking for excess vertical play in the lower ball joint. Grab the tire from the outside and rock it from side to side to inspect side to side play in the upper and lower ball joints. Move the floor jack to the other side and repeat.

You did have this aligned after you finished, correct? Replacing tie rod ends changes the toe-in and straightness of the steering wheel.

I think you meant to say popping the tie rod end (not ball joint). Ball joint is something entirely different on the front end.

You shouldn't have to fill up any rubber cups manually with grease, as this would not grease the part and would lead to failure. Each end should fill it's cup when you force the grease into the tie rod end through the grease zerks - there will be one zerk for each tie rod end. You have to install them in each tie rod end.