Can a mechanically minded individual replace this drive shaft without any special parts?
Answer Yes you can. You have to take the wheel off. Lossen and disassemble the drive shaft’s nut. Remove 2 bolts securing brake caliper to swivel hub. Remove screw securing disc to drive flange, the get off the brake disc. Remove 4 bolts securing wheel hub to steering knuckle, then release it (generally not easy, because uf the rusty surfaces, but a hammer helps). Carefully with the ABS sensor! You had better to screw out that. Now you can pull out the drive shaft… reassemble backwards.