So, I know a lot of us have issues with the front lower ball joint. They are known to be a HUGE pain in the ass to remove. Most of us probably bash the hell out of the lca to pop the joint, use a gear puller, or even a pickle fork to pop the joint out; either of which will deform the threads or tear the boot, rendering the part damaged or even useless.
I have come across a new way of doing things that makes MUCH more sense. When I did my tranny work (isb/clutch) I tried this out and was simply amazed at how much more superior is it to anything else Ive done.
Here's how its done:
After removing the wheel, jacking up the car, and loosening the ball joint nut 1/4 down, jack up the lca and place a 1/2" drive craftsman ratchet (perfect size), the wide way vertical, between the gap that is created with the arm and the bottom inside lip of the knuckle.
When you let the jack down the springs/shocks will press down on the lca, which presses fully on the ratchet = press on the knuckle = pops the joint EASY. If it doesnt come out just by lowering the jack down, just hop yourself up on your caliper and that definately will pop it.
Loosening the ball joint nut down about 1/4 way, makes it so you dont totally destroy the threads when the joint pops.
Like I said, I have done all kinds of things to pop the lower joint before, and this method is FAR superior. Nothing breaks and it requires zero effort. Those that still use a pickle fork, I suggest you try it.