I've read lots of people have trouble with the bolts, no problem here they came out fine, but how do you get the shaft to pop out? I figured at least the t-case end w/o the teeth would budge with a mallet. Is there some trick I am missing, granted the shaft and flanges are rusty to all hell, but I didn't think it would take this much effort.

TIA, Eric

 

Make sure either the Tcase is in neutral or both front wheels are off the ground......I had an odd case where it was wound up like a torsion spring, finally beat it out and about lost my head.

Do you have any rotational slop in the shaft at all?

 

as long as there is no tension on the shaft, just a mallet and/or a pry bar and some work- if it's never been out it can be a bear.

 

Agreed, it took a 4ft pry bar and some wood for mine

 

Yep no tension, looks like I've got some swearing to do today.

 

lol! sounds like me while I'm wrenching

 

Well no swearing needed, all this talk about tension inspired me to put it in 4hi and turn the wheel on some pavement. It popped right out with no issues, thirdgens have smooth flanges on both ends so nothing gets damaged by doing it this way. Cheers!