when i replaced the lower ball joint in my civic it was very easy to do with the right tools. after removing the ball joint from the LCA i just removed the snap ring then pounded it out with a ball pein hammer. but when i was putting it in and i found that press fit ball joints are a bitch to press in. so after beating on it for hours at a time all it took was a little tap on the bottom and it popped back out. so for installation i would suggest you go to AUTOZONE and rent a ball joint puller/pusher (c-clamp with some specialized fittings). the tol is your best bet. as for the axles, i would suggest taking the driverside out, i honestly see no need to remove the half shaft. hope i could help.