If you are replacing all the front end ball joints with new ones then the separators are not necessary. Using a ball joint pickle fork will do the job. An impact style is easier on you. Both will destroy the ball joint boot. If you are replacing all of them then who cares about the condition of the old ball joint???

How are you going to do the lower control arm ball joint. The Mercedes press is the way to go but a Harbor Freight ball joint press can be modified to work, and it alot cheaper.

Dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car