[Spridgets] stuck axle

[Glen Byrns]

I'm helping a friend replace the hub seals and bearings on his MGTC.  It
has a spridget pumpkin in a TC housing, and wire wheels. The right axle
came right out and is finished. The left axle comes out about 1" and will
not come out any farther.  Its an old style TC axle that is a taper fit
with keyway to the outer hub.  What could possibly be holding it in?  Even
if the splines are twisted a bit, this sucker should have come out by now.
 No way to pull the diff carrier till this bugger lets go.
Any thoughts besides a giant slide hammer?

Thanks,
Glen

By the way, the A35 saloon is now living in a covered garage in Sacramento
and will be dolled up for "Hot August Nights" this next year in Reno.  The
new owner is a body/paint guy who will really give it what it needed.