Evenin all
About to to replace a balljoint,
I remember last time i had to really pry the control arm down far enough to allow the balljoint to enter the knuckle.
We had to use an 8' 2x4 as a 3' prybar wouldn't get it down far enough.
Im wondering if this was normal or am i supposed to loosen and/or remove the front strut

 

Two options:
1) Lower the front subframe on the side you're repairing. Easy if the subframe bolts were recently loosened. Challenging if the rear bolt is frozen to the captive nut. Search this forum for PaulC732's clever solution if you hit this wall.

Or....

2) Remove the front lower control arm bolt, again suggested by PaulC732: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...8/#post1230844

Several folks advise don't force down the lower control arm - this can damage the fluid filled bushings.

 

Thank you Dwclapp.
with regards to #1

here is the link to the post for anyone who has a problem with the sub frame nut spinning.

front sub frame mount captive nut broke free