02 Astro AWD Ball Joints Help???

I am attempting to replace the lower ball joint on the passenger side. After hours of cutting and hitting and such, I was able to remove the bolts that are holding the ball joint in place - obviously someone had replaced it before since there were no rivets. Now I am trying to figure out if I have to remove the axle to have enough clearance to pull out the ball joint or is there a way of doing it without removing the axle.

My top ball joint is riveted so I don't think the top one needs to be removed to remove the bottom.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

I am attempting to replace the lower ball joint on the passenger side. After hours of cutting and hitting and such, I was able to remove the bolts that are holding the ball joint in place - obviously someone had replaced it before since there were no rivets. Now I am trying to figure out if I have to remove the axle to have enough clearance to pull out the ball joint or is there a way of doing it without removing the axle.

My top ball joint is riveted so I don't think the top one needs to be removed to remove the bottom.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

I have a 97 AWD, and as far as I know the lower ball joints are a press fit (not the uppers). Please check, but unless you have a press, you might not be able to seat the lower ball joints properly. Remember, the front ends of these vans are heavy, so this type of wear is common.