I began the job today and have the clutch, transmission, and transfer case off the truck.

The release bearing is stuck on the output shaft of the transmission. I mean, its really stuck on there... transmission would not slide off clutch housing— I had to take the housing off with transmission.

Is this common?

 

No, I would say a prybar on both sides and pop it off ?

 

Thanks Thumper. I soaked it with penetrating oil and was able to get it off. Weird.