Thanks all. Finally popped it off, though it took a small corner off one brake pad. What a pain!! Massaged this thing for two days and nights (while working the other projects) but finally got it off.
Bottom line is alot of patience got me through the entire leaf-spring, axle bearing, wheel stud job. (8 days of patience!!) Thanks for all the posts and advice.
'68 428 HO M3 Monster, 4-on-the-floor! Need I say more?