1977 Ranchero Ball Joints

[sleep_deprived129]

I am trying to replace upper control arm bushings for my brother on his '77 Ranchero. For some reason I am having a heck of a time getting the upper ball joint to separate. I have removed the nut, stuck a pickle fork separator in the joint and beat on it with a hammer until I couldn't lift the hammer anymore (not exactly, but you get the picture) but I can't seem to get it to budge at all. Am I missing something? It seems to get to a certain point and then it's almost as if I left a bolt on (I hit the separator but it doesn't seem to move or move the joint at all) but I cannot see anything left on. Any help will be appreciated!