need help removing ball joints, looked at other threads, need some clarification Options

[914 RZ-1]

I'm replacing the ball joints on my car.

1. How does one get the ball joint that is inserted in the control arm off? I've tried raising the whole assembly up with the jack, thinking it was misaligned and tapping it with a hammer to no avail. It's now soaking in penetrating oil.


2. Is there an alternative to the over $100 tool that can be used to get the bottom ball joint nut off? There are posts on this forum that discuss some $45 version on pelican, but all they have is ones costing significantly more. I do NOT want to use a hammer and chisel to get it off if I can help it, and I need to install the new one as well.
Here is a view of the nut looking up at it from below.

[L-Jet914]

Yes you can use that style ball joint separator which works really well or this style outer tie rod remover which I use a lot at work. Place the threaded section in the little cupped area and the claw section between the tie rod end boot and control arm and use a socket with socket wrench or 3/8 impact gun and it pops it right out and doesn't damage the threads of the tie rod end if reusing. The pickle forks work but can be a pain. The first tool mentioned and the one I have pictured here are the way to go these days. I purchased the P280B tool (Baum Tools) for my 914 lower ball joints when I have some time to get around to working on the rest of the front suspension.