I had same problem, detailed here on my blog:

http://shufti.wordpress.com/2009/12/02/ball-joint-shenanigans/

I ended up using heat.

after the deed was done, mechanic friend told me he uses air hammer
to pop them.

alistair

On 17-Nov-10, at 12:36 PM, Bob Cooper wrote:

Can't seem to get my '87 Syncro's front right upper ball joint out.
Got the
two allens and the 24mm nut off and knocked it out of the upper arm
but can
seem to unseat it. Do I just keep beating up on it from the bottom? Does
heating the metal around it help? Any comment would be highly
appreciated.
Thanks, Bob