Oil pump / distributor gear will not come out from the top

I have a 1971 Dart 318, and was having timing issues with the stock distributor. It was not configured to point to cylinder 1 for the rotor position, it was angled at number 2.

Since I planned to move to electronic ignition, I replaced it with a Pertronix Fireball III. I read that they're not always aligned with factory clocking, so I figured I might get closer to stock. No dice, still pointed in the wrong direction!

I decided to re-set the position of the distributor gear, and read up on several folks who suggested multiple methods to lift up the gear and change the tooth position...

...but it won't freaking move! I can get it to lift about 1/8" and it rotates a small amount clockwise but it will not disengage the teeth on the cam. I used a 90 degree pick to lift the gear from underneath. I tried the "use a flathead screwdriver to walk the gear off of the cam" method. I tried a long pair of needlenose pliers.

I would prefer not to have to remove the intake manifold... or drop the oil pan and manipulate the shaft from underneath.

It's just friction fit, correct? There's no keeper that I need to remove? Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

-Daniel