Yes, Jim, that can be an important distinction. I was replacing my ball joints 
the last time my front suspension was open, but if you are not going to replace 
the upper ball joint, the Allen bolt removal is a bit easier!

________________________________
From: Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Sun, December 26, 2010 7:02:31 PM
Subject: Re: Front Shocks - Help or How Much $? (Portland OR)

Rather than dealing with "pop the ball joints", remove the (2) allen
head cap screws from the upper ball joint. And yes, this is not the
description of a shock problem.������ ;-P