yeah, I have generally removed the boot and used the press like in the above photo. Think I will try to make something like the adapter shown in the top pictures next time. Looks like a good tool. To remove the old ball joint, I generall use a 24 oz ball peen and then when it doesn't work a 48oz hand sledge. Trick I have found is to have the knuckle resting on something really solid. I have a solid piece of steel about 4in dia and 9 inches long-really heavy and doesn't get moved around easily by someone hammering on it. I of couse use lots of PB Blaster or the like. One time I was able to replace the ball joints on (I think) a 124 by setting the bottom of the joint (still in the arm) on a socket on the big piece of steel and pounding on arm. Joint popped out nicely. This was the one that failed as daughter backed the car into the driveway. Sometimes I just get lucky!