amc 20 pinion yoke is stuck

[bobt]

Im trying to remove the yoke on an AMC20 rear to change the seal and the yoke will not come off. Tried using a 6" gear puller and bent it, tried a steering wheel puller and bent it too, tried beating it with a 5# hammer and that didn't work. Splines on pinion and yoke don't look twisted or bent Any other options I could try?

 

[mtnwhlr]

Try heating it.

 

[CJ]

The pinion yoke will not come off? After removing the pinion nut it should be a slip fit.

If the yoke does not slide off with minimal force you have a serious problem...

 

[csuengr]

Get a lighter hammer, like about 32 ounces, and give the yolk a solid hit. Don't wail on it, but hit, turn 180*, hit, turn 180*, hit, and so forth and see if that helps.

This may be a stupid question, but you did remove the pinion nut?

 

[tinman]

Mine was the same way last month, and I ruined the same tools trying. Then I borrowed this Proto 4212SJB Puller Set, 2 Way, 6 Ton from my neighbor, and it came right off.

 

[Dirt Works]

Soak with PB Blaster, get a good puller on with tension (air gun) and heat it evenly around and give it some love with small sledge.

 

[Les]

Using a puller while applying a bit of heat to the yoke has always worked for me. Put it under pressure with the puller.....heat it up a bit, then give it a good rap with a hammer.

 

[bobt]

Thanks for all the replies. I tried what Les suggested. Heat while using a puller and then beating it off. It took several blows until it came off. I saw no issues with the teeth on the yoke and pinion. I did clean both and they are still really snug. Should I worry about any other issues because of that? Should I try a new yoke?