Moving front drive shaft spline out of the way

[chrisfuture8]

First of all, wishing everyone a Happy New Year, 2020.

So over the Christmas break, I made an attempt at replacing the front flex disc (guibo disc). I had no problems with getting the 6 bolts undone but ran into a snag with pushing the front drive shaft back enough to allow the removal of the flex disc.

Pelican Parts has a DIY showing the tech was able to push the drive shaft back by an inch or two to remove the flex disc. I tried doing the same thing but the drive shaft just doesn't want to slide back. I used a large pry bar but didn't have enough room under the car to give it a good pry. Also, I was fearful I may cause unintended damage by using too much force so I didn't pry it with everything I got.

I ended up putting the bolts back in and the X5 drove fine without vibrations or driveline issues. The flex disc still needs to be replaced as it's badly cracked.

I was hoping I could get some input/advices from members on here that have successfully replaced the front flex disc or at least knows how to move the front drive shaft back by a couple inches in order to slide the flex disc and its center support out of the transfer case.

Thanks.