I have had this same issue:
Help, I can't get this blasted LCA ball joint loose
The space you have made with the pickle fork I believe is from the destruction of the rubber boot - the ball joint hasn't released or moved.
I solved mine by getting the pickle fork in there, holding the carrier with my other hand, and hitting the pickle fork with a small sledge hammer 3-4 times very hard. I also sprayed some PB Blaster type spray (I think WD40 brand) into the ball joint and let it sit.
I replaced with Meyle LCA that have been working out good for me so far, I have 2 extra ones but it sounds like you have your new LCA arms already?