Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I was getting machine ready for the season and a friend said I needed new bushings for the drive axle,and it was an easy fix. I pulled the short axle off, real easy. The long axle won't come off. I removed all the parts,except the long axle, the large gear, and a bracket from the housing. The long axle is splined into the gear and all efforts have not let me seperate the two. Am I missing something, or is it common for this to happen? I've tried penetrating oil, rust buster, and heat, with no good results. The female splines inside the large gear now slip,so it lools like I'll have to hunt down a new gear. I'm thinking sawzall time. Thanks for your knowledge and help. Tony