New ball joints come in assembly with new lower control arms. I got mine for $33/ea at
www.genuine-ford-parts.com.My control arms were the two vertical bushing types, not the horizontal bushing variety as my Contour is 1998 SE. In the middle of 98 model year Ford made the switch from horizontal bushing to vertical bushing.
Yes, the new arms with fresh bushing deflected more without interference. I inserted the 2 x 2 lumber in the middle of control arm triangular hole and leveraged it downward with my foot. Much easier with two people( not for strength but for two pairs of hands ) as you will need to guide the knuckle over the ball joint stud at the same time you are pushing down on the lumber. But it can be done by yourself - I managed.
Happy to see that you got through the job.
