how hard is it to replace?
On the passanger side I hit a curb when it was snowy out and bent a rod.
Also, how expensive are these?

I get a ticking sound near the valve covers/manifolds is this just rocker noise or could it be an exhaust leak?

Tie rods are easy.
Rent a fork from autozone, $20.
Haynes/Chilton'*, $20
Inner tie rod, $20 -$30

Total $50
three hours for a first timer, then get it aligned.

make sure when you pull the old one of count how many turns it takes to get off
then put the new one on and turn it that many times
that way you alginment will be close enough to drive to the Align shop

I may attempt this tomorrow