How to remove front 4x4 axle shaft?

[Buggyman]

Hey folks...

Any idea on how to remove the front axle shaft that provides power to the front diff from the transfer case?

I have removed about 6 bolts that hold it to the transfer case, and I have removed the bushing guard and popped two pins that were compressed on the front diff side and I was able to disconnect the shaft from the front diff but cannot get it to dislodge from the transfer case.

Any ideas?

FYI: Its a 2000 Ranger, 3.0 v6, 5 speed manual, 4x4.

 

[mwood1985]

bfh...big f$%^%^&n hammer give it a few strong taps it should come out

 

[Buggyman]

Already tried that... Still stuck, and feels like something is holding it in place... I could roll the truck before disconnecting the front end and it will still turn the transmission.