Upper Ball Joints - replace control arm instead?

Probably obtuse question here. (Disclaimer: I am not a mechanic but generally can figure most things out. )
Anyway, I want to redo the suspension on my front end Taco 2006 base model 4WD (knocking noises coming from there on occasion). I heard replacing upper ball joints is a pain and requires special tools. I see that *perhaps* I could just replace the upper control arms with a kit that already has the ball joints attached and comes with new bushings as well (like this). I know that this kit is more expensive but I figure a few things here (1) this is likely cheaper than sending it to the shop and (2) time is money and the time I'll save fussing with taking the ball joints off might be worth it, and (3) perhaps no need to buy special tools.
Any opinions on this? Is just replacing the upper control arms an easy swap? Good idea/bad idea?
Cheers.

 

I just swapped out my UCA's this past weekend. Despite lots of people online saying it's really hard, it wasn't - though ymmv. The issue most point out is removing the large thru bolt. You'll need some BIG channel lock pliers to bend some sheet metal out of the way. In my case this was easy. Search on Youtube and you'll find some how-to videos.

Assuming you have a 2nd gen and don't need to upgrade to a fancy aftermarket setup I would suggest you just look for some lightly used 3rd gen takeoffs. I got front and rear shocks, front and rear springs and UCA's from a 3rd gen with ~15k all for $100. Can't beat new shocks and new UCA's (fresh ball joints and bushings) all for $100. Plus, by using the 3rd gen front springs I got a little bit of a lift in front.

With the availability of lightly used 3rd gen takeoffs I would think that's much better bang for your buck compared to new OEM or aftermarket (but oem style) UCA's.

 

Replacing the UCAs instead of the ball joints is overkill unless you can get a killer deal on takeoffs. Your local auto parts store will have a ball joint service kit and front end service kit you can rent for free 99. Then it's just a matter of pressing the old ball joint out of the spindle and UCA using the tools in the kit. Don't bother messing around with pickle forks either, not worth the time.