Ball joints...

Posted this on FTO, hasn't gotten much traffic and im in a bit of a predicament right now. I realize that this isnt a truck forum, but you guys have helped me a ton lately. If anyone can help i'd greatly appreciate it:


87 w150, almost positive it has a dana 44 front axle. Drivers side lower bj needs replaced, and im hearing different stories on wether the axle NEEDS to come out or not. Is that so the knuckle can come off or is it nessecary?

In other words, can the lower ball joint be replaced without removing the axle, assuming i had the right ball joint press, or is it nessecary? Also, has anyone that has done this have any tips?