thanks for the replies, guys.

I hammered and hammered so much on that thing last night that I couldn't barely pick my arm up anymore and my aim had dwindled drastically; there was no point in doing it anymore, really.

I think I'm going to end up renting a bj puller from Napa and try that out. I didn't undo the tie-rod ends at all, and I didn't try undoing the bottom shock mount but that's a good idea.

I did try the 2-hammer trick because I remembered ppl mentioning it with the TRE's.
I know these things are tough but cripes! It's REALLY in there. I tried heat as well.

...see how it goes w/ the BJ puller I guess. I just hate having to hitch a ride because i "failed" at repairing something I know should be fairly easy to do. Frustrating.