There is a special tool for removal but my "man" made his own.
The main radius are bushes are a real b!tch.
They are located ,sort of,under the end of the sill.
Just follow the suspension arm to its mounting with the body.
Personally,I,ve never had any issues with GSF parts and as you plan to upgrade,well...I,d do that now.
If you waste time and money replacing worn out standard parts with new standard parts,you,re throwing good money away.
If you know what set up you want in the future,then I,d go all out for it now.
The car won,t pass an MOT anyway,so you may as well catch the bus for a while whilst the cars up in the air.
RALPH