700R4 output shaft sleeve

[Sovereign]

How do you remove the output shaft sleeve on a 700R4? I'm referring to the sleeve on the output shaft shown here http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/drivetrain/yokeleak.htm

The article says to slide it off but mine won't slide off. I even tried prying a little with no success. I have not tried tapping with a mallet and drift. This is my first time encountering this sleeve as I have only opened car transmissions up previously.

My truck is lowered about 6" in the rear. Could this have cause my driveshaft to move forward and jam this sleeve further up on the output shaft? Just thinking out loud in case it's not normal for this sleeve to be difficult to remove.

Thanks for the help.