Years ago I needed to remove the ball joint and not damage the boot (and didn't want to spend money) so I made a tool.
I made the tool from a length of iron pipe, welded a 1/2" thread nut to one end, and screwed in a matching bolt. You can also weld on another nut to the bolt head to form a seat for the end if the ball joint stud.
The tool fits between the upper ball joint nut and lower ball joint stud; and it's length is adjustable. Loosen the lower joint nut. After fitting the tool between the studs, increasing its length puts a separating force between the studs. Tighten it up as much as you can, and then tap the side of the lower steering knuckle with a ball pein hammer to vibrate the knuckle and the joint should pop loose. Also keep a jack under the control arm.
It worked for me!
Regards, George
leave the nut on the upper one for the non-adjustable end to bear down on.
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