Some Background Information: I had removed the rear end several years ago from the truck. Completely disassembled and painted the axle housing. Everything went to a speed shop where the gearing was replaced to a different ratio more suitable for highway driving and fuel economy. Speed shop rebuilt the rear end including new bearings and seals. When I got the rear end back I bolted it into the truck. The truck then went into storage for several years (10ish) while I was being transferred around Canada for work. When I got to a point where I was settling down and getting back to the build I had my dad tow the truck from mid western Ontario to northern Alberta. The truck was towed on a car dolly. The passenger side seal must have been damaged when installed as it leaked oil quite a bit. My father ensured it had plenty of oil and monitored the rear end to ensure it did not get hot.

Today I was inline for replacing the rear seal. Removed rear cover, pin and square block, just as I have on other trucks including the particular 59. Oil was good, clear and no metal in the bottom of the banjo. Smelled as it should. I needed to use a rubber mallet to push the axle in to get the c clip out. With the clip out I can only pry the axle outwards approximately 1/2” - 3/4” before it stops. Feels as though the c clip is still in even though it has been removed. Both small planetary gears are now out.... the axle will not move outwards enough for the splined gear to come off the axle splines..... I have not touched the bolts that hold the carrier...

Has anyone run into this issue. What am I missing?