Better and less expensive way than what? They're not terribly expensive to purchase or hard to replace unless I'm missing something?

For pushing the bushings out and back in I've had great luck with a "ball joint press" Here's a cheap one but you can also rent/borrow them from some auto parts stores, or spend a little or a lot more money on a nicer one.
http://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.com/Ball-Joint-Press-with-4WD-Adapters-P43755.aspx

•1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
•1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
•1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-