Removing the ball joints on a crusty, 40+ year-old Dana 44 axle is straightforward, but not always easy. I highly recommend a press, even if it's just a small, cheap 12-ton, it saves a load of effort. Otherwise you'll need a ball-joint press tool.

Ball joint press kit: https://amzn.to/3GFJEqA
Tie rod separators, etc.: https://amzn.to/3GEbgwe