49 plymouth rear end chunk

I'm trying to get the axle's out from the rear end, they would not just pull out so I thought that it might be a pin or bolt holding them to the gears. I dropped the drive shaft and took the bolts off the front housing and I tried to remove it and it comes out about 2--3 inches and thats it. there is a big nut on the front shaft but I think that just holds the gear on the back of the shalf or should I take that nut off. the reason I'm doing this is because the brake hubs seem like they are welded, been on there a long time, I will take the axle and put it in my press and heat it to get it off. any ideas as to how to get the yoke off the rear end-------------Richie

The axles go into the chunk so you will definetly have to pull the axles to get the chunk out.
No need to pull the nut on the yoke off unless you plan on changing the gears.
Also you will need to pull the brake drums off to get to the 4 bolts that hold your bearing retainers in place on your axles before you can get those axles out, if it's set like a ford 9 inch or Chrysler 8 3/4" rear. Once you get those 4 bolts out of there then you can pull your axles. Try renting an axle puller and a local hardware store to make pulling them easier.

Thanks--- sometimes I have a brain fart, I went back out to my hangar and it hit me. I remembered and its done. I installed a two post lift at the back of my hangar and it sure is nice I don't have to crawl around on my 65 year old knees anymore. getting old but boy do I like to work---thanks again, Richie