I'm back working on my truck after a few months away, and am trying to remove the propeller shaft and pinion gear. There's a break somewhere, I suspect the propeller shaft, and am trying to disassemble the rear end to fix the problem.

I have the differential out, and the way the shop manual reads, the pinion shaft should just slide out. I can pull it out about a quarter inch, but then it hangs up ( pinion shaft ). I removed the three bearing retaining screws. (item 7 in the shop manual illustration) . Should I use a puller and a little more muscle? Just want to ask before I risk breaking something else.

Also, when I pull on the propeller shaft from the front, it comes out about a half inch and then hangs up. I think the damaged end of the shaft (if it's the shaft that's broken) is hanging up on the bushing. I can try to force it, but again want to ask you guys first.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

1938 Chevy 1/2-ton
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She looks good at 50 yards, and 35 miles per hour, on a dark night.