completely rebuild front suspension?

As said, you don't need to pull the K out. But I would/did. Depends where you are going with it... I sandblasted mine added and fixed a few welds, painted. Clean up bay, frame area, and so on....
To unload the bars. Get front end up. All weight off. then unscrew the adjusters in the lower arms till no pressure on them. Then start pulling things apart. Unscrew the upper ball joints with the arms still on the car for added leverage.