[joedoh]

its not a firecracker, and by that I mean it does not have explosive potential energy just sitting there. the potential energy in a spring is an exponential curve based on how much weight is in it.

unbolting the balljoint with a completely loaded front end (engine in, trans in, sheetmetal and bumper on, garage pal sitting seductively on a fender) is a BAD idea, the potential energy storage is huge, firecracker type.

with a bare frame, the potential energy of the spring is only the weight that can compress it, which on a bare frame is not a lot, snap pop type. The only trouble I have ever had is putting it back together with no weight, and standing on the crossmember while my wife put the balljoint nut on a few threads.

I would throw a chain through the coils just in case it wants to jump out at you, otherwise, loosen balljoint nut (DO NOT REMOVE), whack the spindle like you are persuading it strongly (NOT THE BALLJOINT), when the balljoint comes loose the nut will keep it on. stand on the crossmember with a jack under the arm and you should be able to spin the castle nut the rest of the way off, step off crossmember and viola.

your results may vary though.