Definitely remove the sway bar link where it attaches to strut, as this will give you much more range of motion, but don't forget to unplug wheel speed sensor (I removed mine from the knuckle altogether to avoid damage. Had both ABS and Trac light come on as soon as I started up the car, but once I took it out and hit the "magic speed" both lights went out (system self test reset it). No need to remove ball joint from knuckle, just to control arm from subframe.

You have pneumatic tools? If not, use PB Blaster on axle nut and the 4 torx bolts holding the bearing assembly to the knuckle.