Do you have an impact gun?

I can't remember the last time I removed my lower ball joints unless I was replacing them. They're just too much of a pain in the ass.

To avoid having to separate the ball joint, your options are:

1) Do as Jason mentioned, and pop both the lateral arm and compression arm off the subframe.

2) Remove the upper ball joint from the knuckle. I find that ball joint almost always comes out easy, and then you can fold the knuckle away from the car far enough to get the axle out. **Edit: FYI, the caliper will likely have to be removed from the knuckle to get enough space to pull the axle.

#1 is easier if you have an impact gun. #2 is easier if you do not.

Sounds like a frustrating evening. Couple beers, go back swinging tomorrow