OMC 5.7L Cobra Upper end stuck to lower end

[wsparadise]

I have (my spare) drive that stripped the upper gears. In trying to remove the upper from lower I find it is stuck. I suspect the lower bearing in the upper is stuck and/or the pinion gear and intermediate drive shaft is jammed together. It appears that the intermediate drive shaft is engaged with the inside of the pinion gear by design. I have already successfully removed the upper shaft and gear (the one with the U-joints and water pump impeller). Pardon my terminology if it is not eactly correct. Does anyone have any expereince or tricks on how to un-mate the two halves in this condition?
As always, thank you in advance for your assistance.

 

[wsparadise]

Re: OMC 5.7L Cobra Upper end stuck to lower end

Kindly ignore this post. I was able to separate the halves with some gentle and strategic prying.

 

[lilmandavis]

Re: OMC 5.7L Cobra Upper end stuck to lower end

the shift shaft has to be turned 90 degrees comming out and in. just an fyi