Q? Output Shaft removal

OK, I guess I'm either going cabin crazy or just plain confused on the directions for removing the differential from the output shaft of the tranny.

The directions say (and show) to wedge the tool between the output shaft and the horizontal bar inside the differential.

The directions say this:

1) Place the J 42562 between the end of the output shaft and the differential pinion shaft.
2) Using a hammer, hit the end of the axle removal tool in order to compress the output shaft compression ring (512) and push the output shaft through the differential side gear.

My question is: Do I just wedge a tool there until the output shaft pops out or becomes loose? Or do I need to do something special to compress the ring first before attempting to remove the shaft from the differential?

Read step 2 again, you just put a chisel in between the output shaft and diff shaft and smack it with a hammer and it will pop loose.

If yours is a 97, that picture isn't right. I ended up hitting mine twice lightly with a hammer when I realized it isn't one of those compression rings. The 97 has a c-clip that needs to be popped off with either a specail tool or I used two screw drivers pushing both down at the same time.

Correct, for 97s this wont work and you need a special c-clip removal tool specific for this clip OR you can use to screwdrives and push the clip off. IIRC his car was newer than a 97 and why I didnt mention it above.

Edit..... Here is a link to a thread of a diff install that shows where to put the chisel and you have to smack it with a hammer to shock the shaft/snap ring to pop out the axle.
http://www.grandprixforums.net/f21/4...pics-1928.html

I guess I didn't specify what year my car is.... it's a 99 GP GT.

I did see your write up, but spaced it out. Thanks. I guess I need a bigger chisel.