Can someone give me some advise. I am stuck and not sure what way to go now. The rear yoke of the U-joint to front of drive shaft cracked and it has spread so much that it no longer will slide back into the driveshaft to clear the back of the transmission so it will drop down so I can inspect and start repairs.

How would I move the rear end back so it will clear the back of the transmission so it will drop down? I have removed the cross member and I have direct access to it and tried to use a hardened chisel with a sledge hammer to split it completly so it would break and then I can gain access. The yoke slide about an inch but stops because of the front of the Okie bushing won't let it slide in. It misses by so little it is so frustrating.

Drop the front pins in the leaf spring hangers or loosten the U bolts that go over the rearend to move it back to drop it down? Any pros or cons doing either one? Thanks for you suggestions. John