So, I found or have seen at least three methods to get the front axle out.

1. Volvospeed - remove the two control arm bolts. Swing hub away from shaft.
2. Electronic manual advertised here - my interpretation is remove bottom end of sway bar link, detach lower ball joint at control arm, and "twist Macpherson strut to remove", which I guessed means pull and twist the whole assembly to pull the hub away from the axle (insteaad of removing the strut from the car which obviously requires more).
3. My indie's technique - remove two bolts through Macpherson strut and (??) tie rod end - swing hub down to remove shaft from hub.

I tried #2 first, and got stuck at removing the bottom ball joint. Loosened the bolt and nut, no problem, but I could't figure a way to pry the joint downward to release the tapered shaft. The joint was bent at an acute angle and there was nothing to pry against.

My indie's technique #3 looked like a PITA - I remember he barely was able to get the nut on the first few threads, and luckily he had an air wrench to proceed in pulling it up. I think he uses that method because either it is quickest for him or he simply has always done it that way.

So, I used Volvospeed's technique #1, which worked OK except getting the control arm back in requires fighting against the sway bar and strut spring simultaneously while aligning the arm. I was tempted to disconnect the bottom of the sway bar link, but was afraid the strut spring might push down too much. I think that it would be easier to do this a second time now that I see the trick.

So my QUESTION is, what technique have others used, and also, does anyone know if removing the sway bar link in method #1 would be an effective step, or cause trouble? I will have to take this apart again - any advice would be appreciated. Don