Stuck outer halfshaft fitting

[karlInSanDiego]

Disassembling the hub to replace rear bearings, I've removed the allen bolts/nuts from the outer side of the halfshaft, but it won't pull away from the side shaft. Before I bang (gently) on it some more I wanted to ask if it is somehow necessary to detach the diff side of a halfshaft first in order to pull it free from the side shaft and replace bearings. I've got the big castle nut off the other side of the side shaft already.

Not my first rodeo and I've replaced the diff before, but looking at the parts in diagrams it seems like it should just pull away (enough to move it to the side to pull the side shaft through its carrier.) If I'm right, what else could be causing it to stick to its little buddy, aside from maybe 41 years of constant contact? I suppose I should pull both halfshafts and repack the CV joints anyway, but I'd prefer to waylay that job for another time, as my other car broke down in the meantime and I need to get our 2002 back off the lift.

Thanks.

-kARL

[c.d.iesel]

it's rust welded

smack it with a soft hammer

and pry gently w/huge pry bar

while rotating

[Hans]

I would use coat hanger around shaft to keep it from dropping beyond limit of opposite CV joint. Then apply hammer as directed.