[zeebad1]

I finally got them.

I ended up taking 2 1" flat washers, cutting a slot in them so they would fit around the stud, and used them to "shim" the pickle fork. It still took a lot of force, but they finally popped loose.

I may use them from now on, because they tend to help to protect the rubber boot also.

I picked up some universal boots to replace the ones I damaged. Not the best, but better than the cut ones.