Followed the DIY for the ball joint replacement and after a short test run it would seem that the ridiculous groaning/squeaking/lurching has stopped for the time being. I'm gonna ride her hard and put her away wet for the next week just to make sure. Also my alignment is way different, it now veers to the left. I might think about doing the other side too, then doing an alignment.
Thx for the advice stryker.
-Nate