repair suggestions

i have a 95 s-10 blazer 4door 4x4 im going on along trip in a few days from chicago illinois to phoenix arizona. i took my car to a mechanic to check up on it and he told me that i need to replace all ball joints, and idler arm that cost me about 418 to do, and also brake job to turn the back drum and front or back brake lining for 195 i will do the brake job my self but is the suspension job neccessary to do someone told me ball joints not so much because ill be in the express way shouldnt be to hard on it. i to hear some loud clunks when i barely turn on my car and turn the wheel left or right to get out the parking and when i brake but after it warms up it stops could that be one of the problems. and also what else is good to check before i leave.

i too have heard the ball joints expensive...to replace...how many miles on the vehicle?
Can you have a friend / family in your area check it out? Hope the best for you....