2002 Dodge Ram 1500 how to pull 3rd member from rear end

[johnnywoodward]

I have spent days trying to get the third member out of the rear end. Axles are out, c clips out. Tried to pry out, tried to winch out, no luck. I've asked everyone I know and anyone who knows about it tells me it should just pop/slide out. It will move about an inch but just wont come out even with a 1,000lb load. I understand there may be a spreader I can use, I don't know what it is or where to get it though. The dealer said they have one but never use it, they just pull them out. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

[MagicRat]

Dumb question time.... have you removed the u-joint yoke from the pinion shaft?

[johnnywoodward]

Yep, that was the first thing lol. Thanks for replying so fast !!!

[Chris Stewart]

Does the pinion bind up when you get the carrier out that 1 inch?

[hundahunta]

you need a special tool, the diff endplay and backlash is adjusted through the axle tubes