Replace upper ball joint - Manual locking hubs

So next on my list of suspension replacement is the UBJs on this 1997 2.7L manual hubs 4x4. LBJs are already replaced. I can see the UBJ is a press out/in, but removing the entire knuckle appears to be quite a job, thanks to the manual hubs.

I read this:

http://www.bajataco.com/tech/control_arms_01.html

and saw that he pressed in/out with just a puller setup, never took the knuckle out. Anyone else successful in doing this with these manual hubs?

 

Theres no need to remove spindle/knuckle if R&R UBJ's, I think people over think the removal of them. Since they're getting replaced no need to be gentle with them for removal, I take my angle grinder with cut-off wheel & cut them in half, that gives the initial separation , then get a BMFH & a heavy punch & a couple good whacks the old ones are out & ready for the new ones, just remember to remove the big "C" clip before hand...