Can't get it out. Tried a screw driver and a small pry bar. FSM says to use a special tool. Any other Ideas? I was pretty light on it, do I need to use more coercion?

A slide hammer would be awesome, if you have one. If not, then just use more force and try two small pry bars on each side to try to even out the force. They can be tricky sometimes.

Thx Al

I might be able to get my hands on a slide hammer. So is it a slip ring or something? That'* what it feels like. And I just hafta apply enough pressure to overcome that?

Techinfo article on removing drive axles

It'* a circlip fitted into a groove on the end of the shaft. It comes out easiest if it is moving. So, push the shaft into the differential (so the circlip is not binding against the outer edge of the groove) then provide a sharp, outward force keeping the orientation of the shaft a straight as possible. The trick is to get the shaft moving with some force as the circlip hits the groove. That will encourage it to compress and allow the shaft to pop out much more readily than forceful prying.

For the Driver'* side, I have used small tire irons, large screwdrivers or similar levers against the back of the inner tripot joint and usually just need to slap the end of the lever with the heel of my hand to pop them out. IIRC, sometimes I have smacked the prybar with a mallet. But, you need to be careful how you set the prybar and how you apply force so that you don't damage the transmission case.

For the passenger side, a long wooden drift against the tripot struck with a 4-lb sledge from the driver'* side works best.

good tips

As Bill says it helps to move it forward with force or as I do shock it.
I like to get behind the inner cv from underneath with a pipe end and give it a good rap with a hammer and they almost always pop out.

I usually just rent an axle puller from like AutoZone to get the axle out. It'* cheap and its the way recommended in the FSM. Its a slide hammer with a fork attachment that slips behind the inboard CV joint. Fast and easy.

Xenawise

Used two pry bars between the inner CV joint and trans axle. On to the right side then pull the motor - Thanks again guys

Ya, I had to do that too... driver'* side by chance? Anyways, my axle seal also leaks now because of that. I was also very careful keeping pressure even, and she leaks not bad, but bad enough for me to know about it.