Houdille Shock Help?... DIY

[1938 Coupe]

I wanted to remove my front shocks and send them out to be rebuilt. I removed the driver side shock first from the frame, but that is where I am.
It seems I can't get the shock lever to release from the other parts of the arm that controls the lever on the shock. Is there a special trick to removing these parts? Are they press fitted? Do you need a wheel puller? I have used liquid wrench and bolt blaster but nothing seems to make these parts separate. I'm afraid to bang on the bolts with a hammer in fear of damaging the threads.
So for now the shock is just hanging there until I figure out what needs to be done. Thanks for any help will be appreciated.