I removed my strut tonite to get to a leaking trans. seal. Did you try to open the pinch bolt slot a little more with a punch. Also I find it alot easier to clamp a pry bar or even a 2-3 foot piece of 1x2 wood. Use this for leverage to pushdown on the control arm with your foot or even better have someone stand on it. The only way I could do this job by myself was to use my spring compressors. I compress the spring as it is mounted in the strut tower. You only have to compress the lower two coils a little. This is the only way I am able to clear the ball joint if I am working alone. Also when you do get it out, have a folded up rag to throw over the ball joint rubber boot to protect it before you let up on the control arm. The knuckle can pinch the boot easily if your not carefull.
