For the ball ends that you mentioned I use this tool (but I got it somewhere cheaper, and in black). I'll try to remember where else I saw it. This tool does it quickly and really easily w/o any damage to the boots. The hammer method isn't as reliable for me, but works great for some other folks.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=10101&langId=-1&productId=219190&mediaCode=ZX&appId=480787

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The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)