I was able to remove and replace the driver's side upper ball joint using a
pickle fork, no problem.

The passenger's side is proving to be a very tough customer! I've tried a
liberal dose of WD40, serious hammering with a small and larger hammer and
the pickle fork, and heating with a propane torch. It won't budge! The
stamped metal piece that sits above it is starting to get a little chewed up
with my attacks.

Anybody got any good tips on getting this thing unstuck? Is there some sort
of a special tool I don't have that will pop this thing right out?

Thanks,
AS