An additional thought . . . in trying to free that joint, I would alternate between beating the crap out of that split from above and going under the car and using an extension to tap the joint off the shaft.
Because there was not a straight, clear path, from below, I was never able to get a solid shot from below. So, by the time I was able to move the joint from below with my light tapping, it was apparent that I had finally broken that joint/shaft interface.
So, with your pounding from above, don't expect that the joint will automatically pop off the shaft. You are still going to have to lightly tap it off from below.
I slathered anti-sieze compound on the shaft and joint when putting the whole thing back together.
BTW, I live in Chicago and, as a result, before pulling the rack, I spent an entire, solid day, just loosening all of the fasteners for this job. I hate breaking-off hardware and there were a number of fasteners that required hours of cajolling to get out without breaking. Had to drill out the little button-head screw that held down the rack heat shield. As a result, I use anti-sieze compound on everything I touch.
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