My thoughts on the subject.
You can substitute a BMW3030 ball joint extractor in place of the Mercedes "Special tool" and it can be had for around $90 at
www.samstagsales.com or similar places.
Those clips on the ball joint come off with a small screwdriver and go on even easier. All you have to do is push them on! It's that simple. The ring will expand and it will slip right on.
You do have to cut the pickle fork down or your hammering into the steering knuckle.
I don't believe that Autozone press does any damage at all during installation. Those joints take a lot more force driving around and are built for it.
This is the tool of choice for popping ball joints. Especially if you plan on reusing them:
I laughed my A** of at the "Excitement level" line. You definitely want to leave the nut on. It will also protect the threads.
Danny