I'm getting ready to replace upper and lower ball joints on a 78 spider any advice would be greatly appreciated!! Do I need to copress springs? Do I have to have a special tool for the removal of old joints or can I use the fork style with a hammer?

no, spring compression is not required, or necessary, or useful.

fork and hammer will do the trick

thanks it worked!bam bamm! free!
what's up with the lowers I guess you have to drill the studs out for removal?

be careful not to nick or gouge the a-arm. you don't wanna weaken the mounting point.

Yes, if you have rivets instead of bolts/nuts...drill or grind the rivets out.

The lowers are rivited in, and they are of a material of which the hardness is legend. I had to grind and eventually cold-chisel mine out. Use a 'pencil type grinder or you will never get a big grinder in the recess you are working in, or at least I didn't. Use a jack or support under the 'A' arm to hold it in place or you will be in for a rude surprise! I used a cinder block and it worked fine. You must keep the spring compressed in place.