Need help on future Ring & Pinion swapout

[70Chevy4x4Nut]

Here's my problem. I am ready to install my axles and was going to replace both tie-rods on the steering rod (one on each side). As soon as I get the truck on the road I will replace the 3.07 gears with 3.73's. My question is do I have to remove the steering rod that runs in front of the diff cover to replace gears and/or carrier. The answer to this will determine if I will put on the new tie-rod's or save them for when I do the gear job.

Thanks ya'll