If the front end is up high it may be putting enough load on the bar to where it wont move. I have found that if the car is resting just above its normal ride height, the bars will come out with little effort. Do the prybar trick to the LCA. Should pop right out.
There is a certain amount of play in the wheel with power steering. As long as it's not real sloppy when the engine is running, it's probably ok. My steering wheel slops about 4-5" when engine is off. When running, it tightens right up.
When I did mine, I pounded out the rubber then carefully cut down the side of the inner metal sleave. Forced the sleave in half then pryed it out.
Here is a link to a different approach if you have access to a welder...