I think he is ok he has jack stands under the frame rails. But even still don't get under the vehicle. Also I would prefer a floor jack under that arm.
Mine measures 1 7/8" as well, so I'll proceed with the socket I purchased. I thoroughly cleaned the top of the ball joint, and had it soaking in penetrant for several days. I also have a four foot breaker bar extension handle.
In regard to the torsion bar concern, the car is secure on jack stands and one lower control arm is on a bottle jack, the other is on a floor jack. I'll further secure the bottle jack arrangement by adding another floor jack. In future I'll know to unload the torsion bar before proceeding.