2004 SS

Hey guys, I ready a pretty good write up on halfshaft replacement on this site and it left me with a few questions the other write ups also didn't answer. Any help would be appreciated. Also, if this belongs in 'Tire, Rims, and Suspension,' I apologize. My issue is passenger side.

Thread I read, here.

Questions:
-It seems some people remove tie rod ends. Is this compensated for by loosening the sway bar in this write up?
-I’ve never separated a ball joint from a steering hub, is the rental tool from AutoZone pretty intuitive to figure out? Some people have expressed concern with tearing the boot?
-I’ve read there’s a retaining ring where the half shaft interfaces to the transaxle. Is that not the case with our Monte’s or is it something to address? Likewise, if we have them, are they easy to put back on? When the shaft was reinstalled into the transaxle do I just use wheel bearing grease?