The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Pulling a torque tube trans

I have some time tomorrow and want to pull the trans on my 36, do I have to remove the whole rear axle and torque tube to get the trans out. This is a one and a half ton with a 4 speed and there is a welded plate under the front drive shaft section that is a 12" channel with a drive shaft cut out. I know the front u-joint should come off but, I can't get the bell to slide back far enough to get to it. I removed the rear bell and I can move it a bit more but no joy, will freeing the center bearing buy me anything. I can't move the drive shaft down because of this plate and the channels are notched for the drive shaft. The only way I could move the forward shaft would be up and then to the sides.