Steering rack replacement/alignment

In the next couple days I will be replacing the steering rack in my eta, but I have a couple questions. First of all, if I simply mark how far in each tie rod is threaded into the inner part how far off will the alignment be? I just need to drive it like that for maybe a week or so.

Secondly, is a pickle fork totally necessary or can I just beat the ball joint out with a hammer from the top?

Thanks folks!
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