It's best to only remove the big nut. Leave the 4 small bolts installed (to help with stability), then use the correct size pickle fork and a BFG (Big F______ Hammer). Once the tapered shaft is broken loose, then remove the 4 smaller bolts. I have never had one that did not come off by the 3rd or 4th blow..........but you gotta hit it hard. When you use a pickle fork it will likely damage the grease boot, so if you're not planning to replace the ball joint, you might try to find a new boot ahead of time. Tim