FWIW I just finished one side and the ball joint wouldn't budge. Rather than wreck it trying to get it out, I decided to use the control arm method. Removed the chassis plate, bushing bolt, and pivot bolt with no problems. The whole assembly swung out of the way enough to work. I did find it easier to install the hub side first, though.
And boy, did that thing not want to go into the transaxle. After a few minutes of jiggling, pushing, twisting, and cursing, it finally slipped right in for no apparent reason. What is the secret for finessing these things in?