The 48-51 shop manual says after removing the bearing retaining screws from the differential housing, "tap the splined end of the propeller shaft allowing the pinion shaft to slide out."

The 1/2 ton torque tube axles were pretty much the same up thru 55, with only minor changes. So you should be able to drive the shaft out from the transmission end. I would use something relatively soft (a soft faced hammer or wood block) to prevent damaging the splines.


Kevin
1951 Chevy 3100 work truck
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1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car)
Busting rust since the mid-60's
If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.