dont worry little buddy ill still be around to help you.
are you replacing the shocks and springs as well? if not then it should take about a good day.
if you are replacing spring pads then i would suggest atleast replacing the shocks at the same time. you said u didnt want to change the springs but i would still do shocks.
i would suggest getting a balljoint separator instead of a picle fork. i hear they work wonders and save you a lot of effort and aggrivation. i have done this job before. the shittiest part is getting the center link separated from the pitman arm that hangs out of the steering box because a brake line is right in the way and the area is already tight.
another part that sucks is separating the thrust arm balljoint from the steering plate. it took me a sawzall and a benchtop vise to remove it. and it took a lot of force. but for the most part the effort is definatley worth it if you have brake shimmies and steering play. you probly wont have to do this job ever again or atleast for another 50k.
Mark
1999 M3 Cosmos Black/ Black 78k
1994 540i Oxford Green/ Silver Grey Sold @ 133k
1995 M3 Arctic Silver/Black Sold @ 117k
1990 325i Zinnobar Red/Black Sold @ 115k