Make sure theres not a thin "Jam Nut" underneath the shift ball.
If theres no nut, Loctite may have been applied to the threads, so try turning ball wearing tight fitting grip type rubber gloves, or use a rubber strap wrench like in the pic. View attachment 1715580153
No jam nut or anything protruding. I tried the gloves and curse words method first. My brother is a 442/W-30 nerd and he also suggested a strap wrench. I’ll give it a try.