I removed both my axles as part of a wheel bearing replacement and I didn't drop my exhaust, I removed the LCA. They were the original pieces on the car and I was replacing them anyway which was a good thing because they were on there TIGHT and I had to use a pickle fork on one which totally destroyed the boot.
Help, I can't get this blasted LCA ball joint loose
I replaced with Meyle brand LCA, in my opinion a good brand and the parts appeared to be very high quality, they were around $100'ish each I believe.