Really really really stuck ball joints!, How hard is it to get these out? Options

[mike_the_man]

I'm trying to remove my seized shock, and I decided that it would be easiest to remove the entire strut assembly. So, I undid the tie rod end, and removed the brakes. All that's left is the ball joint. I pulled out the 'double taper bolt' and I assumed that the hub would pull off of the ball joint farily easy. Boy was I wrong! I had a 5 foot pry bar and I was jumping on it (and I ain't a little guy), and the damn thing didn't even budge. So, whats the secret to seperating the ball joint from the strut? And once the strut is out, whats the secret for getting the shock out?

I have original Bilsteins, with the Bilstein struts. I've heard there is a roll pin that needs to be driven out, and I think I'm hitting it, but it's seized right up. It soaked in penetrating oil for 6 days, and I still can't even budge it. Also, is there a gland nut at the top of a Bilstein strut, or just the roll pin holding the shock in. Somebody must have some experience with this. Help me out, I'm frustrated and I hate my car right now! Sorry for the long post.

Thanks,