Tie Rod ends

[SOP8920@Siena.edu]

Hey all.. 
    At my last visit to the shop.. I was told that my tie rod end on one side
is worn and that I need a new valve cover gasket. I am fairly certain that I
could do the valve cover gasket myself, but since it's only an hour's labor..
I'm letting himdo it. 
    What about the tie rod ends? How difficult is it to replace them? I figured
this would be a good time to ask about them since Ernest is in the middle of
his alignment job. Is it dangerous to drive with the tie-rod end like this?
He said that the car would pass inspection even with the rod-end like it was.
But that I should have it replaced sometime in the near future. 
    If I can wait to have it replaced... all the better. Near future meaning
October? NOvember? 
    Thanks!
                               -Osman Parvez
                                89 200q
                                Siena College
                                Albany NY