M35 rear axle carrier assembly removal

[jrhunter]

I have a bobbed duece and thought I had a broken axle shaft. Both axles are good. Removed axle assembly and unbolted the carrier assemby per the TMs. Some previous owner had used RTV for gasket material. I chained up the carrier and tried to lift it off, but it is really stuck. Tapped the carrier with hammer, tried pry bar, but cannont seperate the carrier. I have not tried heat yet as most RTVs have a high temp rating. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[NDT]

Wedge a screwdriver in between. Screwdriver will be ruined cuz ya got to beat on it with hammer.

 

[jrhunter]

Wedge a screwdriver in between. Screwdriver will be ruined cuz ya got to beat on it with hammer.

Tried that and even tried to drive a cold chisle into the seam. Can't seem to get it to seperate. Not sure how hard I can hit the case and not break it.

 

[NDT]

The mating surfaces are thick steel. Maybe try multiple screwdrivers. There is a huge area of silicone to rip apart, it will be difficult but not impossible.

 

[jrhunter]

The mating surfaces are thick steel. Maybe try multiple screwdrivers. There is a huge area of silicone to rip apart, it will be difficult but not impossible.

Okay, tommorow I will beat the hell out of it. I have lots of screwdrivers.

 

[ToddJK]

I remember the diff cover on my jeep was stuck on, it gave me hell getting it off. I used a medium to large regular screwdriver and a small sludge hammer, I wasn't asking anymore, lol. Some of those silicones are adhesives and can form a very good seal that's a real pita to break.

 

[jrhunter]

Thanks everyone. A couple screwdrivers and 3 lb hammer and it worked great.