Rearend issues

[caspear1978]

SO the time has come to replace seals and bearings on my axles in my 99 silverado. 1/2 ton. Figured simple easy job. i figured wrong.

i cant get my alignment shaft out. i pulled the bolt which was only about an inch long or so. Problem number 1 in my eyes. having rebuilt rearends before i know this bolt is not just an inch long. Push on the shaft. Moves maybe 1/16 of an inch. Umm this isnt good. looking over everything i determined it had to be the piece that broke off the bolt. got that pice out with some skill. ok great. shaft will come free now. YEA RIGHT. nope still only moves 1/16 of an inch. ok now im stumped. tap it with a punch and hammer. soild as it can be its not moving.

i have the g80 8.5 in there. is there something im missing or do i have to get a bigger hammer and possibly mess something up getting my shaft out?