I just did my upper and lower ball joints on the steering knuckles. I did not have to replace the bushing on the lower control arm so there was no need to remove the springs. The first side took a while to get apart, probably because I was learning as I was working on it. The second side came apart in about 1.5 hrs. I took the knuckles and new joints to a local indi shop and had them press in the lower ball joint because they have the factory press for this, cost $30 per side. Upper and lower on both sides including pressing in new lowers cost less than $200 total. Best advice is take your time and always keep the lower arm supported besause if the spring pops out it can kill you. Before I did this I had a quote of $1200 to $1400 to do the job at a local tire and front end shop.

__________________
1983 300SD
200000miles