95 E320 Wagon ball joints

[benmack1]

Car: 95 E320 wagon, later S/N of the 94/95 sequences. 143K miles.

I have a squeek/groan coming from the left front when turning. I suspect it's the ball joint starting to get dry which likely means it's also worn I assume. I had the same thing on my 93 300D at 140K a few months ago so my miles are dead on for the same thing to happen.

Question: Are the BJ's replaceable on the 95 E320 or do I have to do the entire front lower control arm? I don't see ball joints available on fastlane but I do from other suppliers so I am confused here. I had read before I think that the 95 is a whole LCA replacement with this problem but I am looking for some first hand advice/comments.

Question2: Is the change out of the LCA a big job? I have a klann clone spring compressor but never used it before.

Thanks!