Thanks for the pipe wrench recommendation to remove ball joint nut!
 

Someone on the forum suggested I try a big pipe wrench to remove the bottom nut on the ball joint rather than an air hammer or dremmel. I was nervous because there's only 1/8" of material to grab down there. But I tried it anyway by securely attaching the wrench then using a jack to lightly hold it in place. The nut came off easily with a 2 foot breaker bar on the wrench no problem at all! Best part is both nuts are perfect after the removal...no damage at all.

Thanks for the tip.

Good job, I knew it would work for you if you gave it the old college try!

That was me, you're welcome....pass that tip on.

That was my post originally and after great response I also tried the pipe wrench.
2 minutes of gentle prying! Thanks much!

Thanks to everyone! Power of knowledge is amazing and this forum makes that transfer happen.