Ok so a few weeks ago I broke a knuckle on the passenger side. Been collecting parts to fix it and do some other things for the last couple weeks.

Today I'm tearing the front axle down. Its a stock 76 FJ40 front axle with an ARB and Longfields.

I started with the passenger side and got everything off down to the birf and axle shaft. when I turned the birf to align the flat sides to pull it I noticed my drive shaft was turning. I checked and made sure it was in 2WD, and it was. So I thought oh well I will figure that out later and went on to pull the birf out. Got the birf out and started to pull the axle shaft out but it wont budge AT ALL.

Any ideas what the scoop is with this?

Edit: I have done a Martac on the axles to keep them from "overengaging" the third.

I assume you were not running the inner clip on the birf?

It is possible that your inner axle got pounded into the side gear and the Martack is hanging up?

no inner clip...

slide hammer? :D

Edit: If this is the case is my side gear going to be toast? gear oil came out clean...

no inner clip...

slide hammer? :D

Edit: If this is the case is my side gear going to be toast? gear oil came out clean...

Hmmm... you could try the slide hammer, but you shouldn't have to give it that much "grab"

Do you have the right attatchment for you slide hammer? If not, you may trash your splines or seal surface.

It shouldn't have done anything long-term to your side gear, most likely just a little bit "caught" because of the welding...

got it. Thats exactly what it was. Claw hammer through the bearing race and against the inner ring popped it loose...

Cool... :D