wtf? what lift are you installing that calls for removing the upper control arm??! there is really no reason that you should have to mess with that whatsoever ...
They are probably refering to the upper balljoint on the upper A-Arm. Do not remove it before you disconnected the ABS line. Also if you dont have a pitman puller, dont mess with the balljoint as you will most probably damage the rubber.
The best way to do it is just to use the bottle jack and push down the whole assembly for removal and fitment of the lift.
The only Brentwood in CA I could find is down in the LA area. If it was up here in the Bay Area I could swing by quickly after work and help, if it is not way North.