good spring compressor

[zandi]

whats the best way to knock it out without damaging the joint?

[Axxe]

The spring isn't going to come out, its held on by that big bolt on the top and the top spring hats. You have to disconnect the sway bar, and knock out the tie rod end and the control arm ball joint. Its so easy, I can have the both front struts out of the car in 20 minutes.

Ditto. If you don't have a tie rod puller, the absolute best way that works for me is taking a big hammer, and smacking the tierod to loosen up the ball joint. Smack it a dozen times, then tap the thread lightly (square, so you don't damage the thread) or you can put a block in between, and it should come out after a few good taps. If not, whack it again. On my parts car I had to bust out the air hammer, and the vibration loosened it to the point where it just fell out.