Spindle removal question

[bigblock73]

OK, in the middle of sawpping spindles and cutting coils...need some quick help. I know the process for removing the spindles and what not...so I won't waste my time explaining that. I have the wheels, rotors and shocks off, cotter pins removed from all castle nuts (tie rods, upper and lower arms), and the lower A-arm castle nut a little less than half way off the lower ball joint. On my 73, one decent whack with the 5 pounf sledge, and it popped apart..on my '77...not even close to budging after countless hard whacks and several jack compressions with quick releases.

Any other tips on seperating the spindle from the LCA without ruining the lower ball joint? I am getting really pizzed...this whole suspension drop has been kicking my butt due to rust, broken parts and PO half-ass fixes. I am thinking pickle fork, but not sure of this will damage anything. This project was supposed to be low budget, but has been heading towards NO budget after I had to buy new leaf springs.