Its real dangerous without the proper tool. You decide if the risk/reward ratio works for you.

I think others on the list have removed the lower ball joint without compressing the spring, BUT I think you'll need to secure the spring (with jacks and heavy chain carefully!) and you'll need a special ball joint removal tool. It can be done, but for a typical DIY, its dangerous to do it this way.

I wouldn't do it this way.

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84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)