Replace lower ball joint without removing axle?

[qwsdcvbnm]

Hello all,

I am working on swapping out front-end components on a 4x4 1988 Mighty Max. For the lower ball-joint replacement, the Haynes manual just says to jack up lower control arm and separate the joint, unbolt balljoint assembly and replace. But it seems to me that the axle is in the way and I don't want to damage it by trying to push the old one into it - I've tried jacking at various places but nothing seems to increase that clearance. Am I missing something?

I was hoping to not have to remove axle, seems like a PITA but will get if I need to.

Thanks for any advice!