You might see if you can rent a U joint press from the flaps. That will make the job much easier. I don't see a problem with heating up the ears to help free it up, just be cautious, as the grease in the joint can explode, sending U jount shrapnell flying. I would put pressure on it with a press, heat, then increase the pressure until it came out. Use some anti-seize in the ears to help with the reinstallation.
