Dana 44 axle won't come out

[bradyhill1]

I started breaking my rear dana 44 down, took the backing plate bolts out and the passenger side almost fell out. now to the driver side. took the backing plate bolts out and beat on it with a hammer for an hour, ran a rod through and hit the axle from the back side with a hammer. I really don't think anything is bent because it spins freely, I'm not very good with axles so I don't know what to do next. any suggestions welcome, you may even call me a dumbas.. if appropriate

 

[powerstrokin04]

try using a slide hammer. attach one end to the axle at the lugs and then use the slide weight to pound the axle out using an outward motion

 

[bradyhill1]

I didn't have access to a slide hammer, put a bottle Jack between the spring and axle, got it real tight and hit it with a hammer and it popped right out