Chevrolet Repair: front differential, chevy 4x4, axle shaft

Question
I have a 1996 chevy 4x4 and I am trying to replace the oil seals on the axle housing I can get the right side off fine but the left side axle shaft will not come out of the housing. The auto book says that it should come out with some prying. I have already hammered 3 pry bars between the case and the housing with no luck. Ihave compleatly take the whole axle out and dissassambled it. The ring gear and housing will not come out. I cannot see any thing that would be stoping it. Help  

Answer
Hello Steve, This is not good!! I have seen this happen 4 to 5 times. The snap ring inside will not allow the axle shaft to come out. I have used a torch to cut the axle flange off to remove the ring gear assembly to repair the front end. I think if you could find a metal saw at a machine shop to cut it off would be a lot better. After you get the ring gear assembly. out you can remove the cross pin and drive out the old put of the axle. Buy a new axle shaft and put it back together. Be careful not to damage the housing!!

Hope this helps

Have a Nice Day       Mark