You only need to remove one ball joint. I did not hurt the boot one bit, and I used a pickle fork - although it doesn't take much force to get it off unlike some. And you are right that you will have to re-assemble to get that nut off, that sucker is on there big time. I have been able to remove them on FWD japanese cars by using a long rod against the wheel studs, but BMW doesn't use studs, so can't even try to do that. Plus it really takes a crapload of force to break those 36mm spindle nuts. I have also done this on a 3/4ton 4x4 suburban and I would say the nut was about the same on both. But the X5 axle is way way harder to get out than the chevy one was. Much tighter fit.
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Originally Posted by m5james
I had to do something like this on my other truck a few months ago, but it has A style lower and upper control arms. I'm just worried about screwing up the balljoint boots when trying to remove the lower control arms. I've also already got the rotors and calipers off, so I'm going to have to reinstall them so the hub doesn't just spin when trying to remove that huge nut. I'm not worried, just annoyed that it ruined my mood after doing all my pretty painting.   : |