Any opinions on drag link and tie rod end separators?

I finally got it to break. The purchase of a pickle fork set from Harbor Freight wasn't a waste of $. Just hammering on the nuts wasn't enough force because I was swinging while sitting on the ground, and it was about level with the metal bumper. Coming at the link from above only made the arm pivot. At this angle, the arm couldn't move.

 

Coming at the link with the pickle fork from above, I meant to say.

 

Got a new problem maybe. On the other end of the drag link, the cotter key is seized. Never dealt with this and I've replaced tie rod ends a number of times. Should just hit the crown nut with my 3/4 in air impact wrench with it in? Will the nut simply shear the cotter key and come off?

 

BTW, I'm replacing the drag link, so I don't care about damage to the threads.

 

Thanks. No, I'm not reusing. Got a new drag link a few years ago on sale. I'm finally getting around to replacing parts I have while my freight is slow.