I also use the ball joint press to apply pressure to the joint. Not enough to screw up the threads on the bolt though. I have a thick chisel (wedge) that fits in between the knuckle and the lower control arm that I use to pop the ball joint. I've ruined too many ball joints by getting pissed off , pounding the knuckle trying to pop the joint by missing and hitting the threads.

I also remove the fork lower bolt and squeeze the axle through there. Just swing the knuckle out of the way and hold it with your knee while you pull the axle out (popping it loose from the tranny first, of course).