I have read and reread the shop manual and the devestechnet article. I am now trying to remove the pinion gear and drive shaft. The entire rear and torque tube are out and on a bench. I have removed the trans trunnion bearing yoke as well as the 3 driveshaft locking bolts from the differential housing at the rear.

I am under the impression that the pinion gear and full drive shaft should now pull out rearward. I have tried all sorts of leverage at the pinion gear as noted in the devestechnet article. Can the shaft and pinion gear be driven out by striking the transmission end of the driveshaft? Is there a puller that can be used on the pinion gear in the diff housing?

Any and all experience and input is greatly appreciated

"it's only old if you can't find a use for it; otherwise it's cool and i'll use it."