The front driveshaft is a pita to get out sometimes. Before you get it out though, be sure you mark it in a way that you are sure you install it the same way it was when you took it out. Unless of course, the people who worked on it didn't install it the same way and there is now vibration coming from it. The best way I have found to remove the driveshaft is to use a good strong flat head screw driver and hammer to get underneath the "star-shaped" flange at the rear of the driveshaft. Rotate the driveshaft to get to the opposing side and keep wedging in the screwdriver until the flange becomes free.


I think you are on the right track to pull the front driveshaft to test things out a bit. Noticed any leaks underneath, around the t-case?