Ok no success with two of the biggest screwdrivers I had last night. I left the hub horizontal after soaking the area twice with penetrating oil. I'll give it one more whack tonight and if that doesn't work I'm taking it back to the place that sold me the wheel (used) and see if I can sweet talk them into loosening the ball ring for me (hopefully at a reduced price or even..free) while I'm buying a bunch of other parts from them.