Need help with lower ball joint

[67pete300]

Trying to get started with my disc brake upgrade and for the life of me can't get the lower ball joint broken loose. I've been pounding on it mercilessly and the two pickle forks I have can't seem to get any purchase on anything solid.

Everything is being replaced (except the control arm.) Can I just remove the whole lower control arm and destructively remove the ball joint from the bottom?

Suggestions welcome. Never done this before. And yes I've searched hi and low for answers. I haven't tried renting or buying a special ball joint separating tool yet. But beating on the spindle and pickle fork seem to be common solutions that work for others...