Not sure if you're done yet, but I just pulled mine off of an 88 trooper. It wouldn't budge. I used a faucet handle puller. mine is like a slide hammer. I was able to grip the front edge of the timing pulley with it and cranked the center rod and used the slide and it eventually came off.

1988 Trooper II RED(is there any other color?) Purchased in 2008! So yeah I'm a Trooper Rookie!
0" Lift, 135/65/15 (oh yeah!), rear carpet removed, no e-brake, custom rod holders