I've read some threads but am still unclear.

Is there a tool to press out the lower ball joints? I know there is a tool to press them in, and a tool to extract the ball joint from steering arm, but don't see how to get the ball joint out of the steering knuckle besides a really big hammer - and I hate doing that.

I've done it 2 ways. Option 1. Big Hammer to get them out, and a 12 ton press to put the new ones in.... Option 2. Big Hammer to get them out and Lemfoerder joints with the special tool to get them new ones in.

Both ways I used the hammer. Suppose you could use a press to get them out but you'd have to get it set up in the press correctly. I thought the hammer was the faster route.

But then again I love beating the crap outta things with a hammer!

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When I did it I wanted to use lemforder joints, so I took them to a shop that had the tool and they swapped them both for $100. Seeing that the original ball joints had lasted almost 400k miles, I figured that wasnt a bad deal.

I assume you hammer them from the bottom?

Correct.

Control arm.

the ball joint is pressed into the steering knuckle. Its kind of in a pocket behind the spindle. Using the press works. but I had to get it setup with some blocks because of how its in the pocket. Using the the special tool is WAY easier.

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But to get it OUT, you just used a hammer? There is no tool to press it out?

Unless your hammer swing is incredibly accurate, you will need to use some sort of intermediate driving tool between the ball joint and the hammer. (That would have been the "big socket" mentioned above.)

The Mercedes Service Manual calls for putting the whole Spindle/Steering Knuckle upside down in a Vice and using a big Punch (People have been using a Big Socket) and Hammer to bet it out.

However, that has not always worked; likely due to rusting.
What some People have done when the job is not easy is in the below threads:
DIY Repair Links
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=146034
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/DoItYourSelf

Suspension:
Suspension:

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

i used a big socket, BIGG hammer, and a big vice to get the ball joints out on my 280ce.

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1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg