Posting this in the hopes it helps spare someone the headache I went through.

When you replace your ball joints and rent the service kit... get the 23 piece set from Advance Auto. It includes a couple special fittings that make the job a breeze. I started with the kit from Auto Zone and was stuck when I went to install the upper joint. When installing the upper joint, using the angled cup that comes with the Advance Auto kit makes installing it a snap.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/p...8617/9150043-P

 

For getting them out. Get your biggest BFH and smack the side of the axle where the ball joint is really hard after applying a lot of tension to the press.