4x4 actuator removal

[dgood]

2002 Silverado, trying to get the 4x4 actuator out and replaced, but seems like it's frozen in there pretty well... resisting all plier & vice grip persuasion thrown at it so far. Hate to keep cranking on the plastic casing or hammer pounding at this point. Doesn't seem like any space between the actuator and the tube it threads into to get some penetrating oil in there. Not quite as nice and quickly removed as all the YouTube videos demonstrate

 

Advice on removing it from anyone who encountered similar? Seems like the plastic casing would be easy to break.

Thanks....