You don't have to seperate the ball joints, I didn't, I didn't hammer out the pressed in studs either, it just takes alot of pushing and pulling to squeeze them out, I did this about a month ago. However that being said, I like do things the hard way, soooooo it'd be a heck of alot easier to seperate the ball joint, for the lower, you'll probally have to pry it away from the lower A-arm.....they normally don't wanna come out.

If you're gonna do it that way, I'd check your ball joints, now would be a good time to replace it need be. Also it'd be a good time to inspect the wheel bearings and repack the hubs, you're already half way there so go ahead and do it, it'll make your truck happy for another 100K <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Oh and for that elusive 52mm socket, check out marlin's site, he's got one that'll do the trick for only $25 IIRC.

Good luck, lemme know if you have any questions I can answer <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />