Very easy to do...buy the tool to remove the part correctly at your local auto zone...around 9 bucks. My alignment guy told me the same thing and you know what...he was right. I also had to change the strut heads. It really is easy...no heat...and the only banging is on the the end of the tool...package calls it a tie rod seperator although I have always been told it's a ball joint tool.
Anyway it was easy and the ehaust is not in the way...

Brian...92 400E