I'm trying to remove my 5 speed transmission and the right side half shaft is stuck in the front differential. The left side popped out easily but the right side will not come out. The CV joint is able to move in an out slightly so I know the splines are not jammed up. I think the circlip is stuck and not compressing like it should to allow the CV to slide out.

I have access to the other side and have tried using a long punch to drive it out with no luck. I don't want to damage the front differential by whaling on it from the opposite side and possibly shearing the circlip which could then get wedged in the splines.

Any tricks or ideas on how to get this out?

right_side.jpg right_side_close.jpg left_side.jpg closeup.jpg