Getting Ball Joints to Release (what am I missing ?)

[john68c10]

Okay, 68 C10, 4 wheel drum brakes...

I'm trying to replace my worn out springs with some 1" drop springs.

I'm having the same trouble with both sides...



I can't get the ball joint studs to release from the spindle.

(note: I know I need to take the brake hose off and I have a coil spring compressor to use once it breaks loose)

I've got both ball joint castle nuts backed off, but still attached.

I've got the truck front up in the air on jackstands. I've disconnected the tie rod. I've tried this both with and without having a jack under the lower a-arm.

I've used a ball joint separator tool (shown). I've used a pickle fork and a BFH. I've used a small bottle jack between the a-arms.

Can't use heat...too much grease (fire)

What to do ? Am I missing something (not thinking of it) ?