Well if you try to tighten the upper ball joint to much it snaps off, good news its easy to replace
Manual says nut gets tightened to 52 ft lbs
Remove snap ring



Remove boot, this step can be skipped depending on how you want to press it out (there is a metal ring to retain the boot not pictured)



Set up ball joint tool and I was able to easily press it out with an impact gun (I normally would not press direct on the joint)

 

Here is the joint and the empty a arm





More to follow
When the new parts arrive

 

OK here is the proper way to set up the tool to press out, I will add press in pics when parts arrive

 

Tool setup to press in new joint, went in super easy

 

Here is the new joint, top of joint marked moon, this was $6.50 with free shipping on amazon if you spent $35

 

Hi, does the axle need to be loosened from the wheel hub? (or anything else?) Should I secure the knuckle with a wire or from below? Don't know if this puts strain on the axle. Any info is appreciated. Thanks!

 

A note to mention on this job. I was not successful from not having the correct tool.

Notice the length of the cup for re-installing the ball joint. It is long. In the workshop manual it is a specific part. I don't think you necessary need that specific part put likely if you rent a ball joint pressing tool set from an auto parts store the cup is not long enough and will damage the ball joint when installing.

So, when you are getting your ball joint un-install/install kit, take notice of the size of the cup

 

Just completed this job, straightforward. I rented the ball joint press set from AutoZone… make sure you get the extra ball joint set. To get it out I had to cut off about half way up the the old shaft for the adapter to fit as seen below. Installed new Lemfoerder ball joints; heard issues with other brands not fitting correctly, Lemfoerder fit perfect.

Got mine through AutohausAZ: https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/LF-RBK500170






Press out:


Press in: