HELP!!! Transaxle removal (it's stuck in the car)

[babychazz]

I'm replacing the clutch on my car. (A manual 2002 eclipse 3.0L V6)
I've replaced clutches before, but not on an eclipse, so I got a Haynes Repair Manual for my vehicle.
I've followed the the instructions step by step.
Most everything went smoothly.

The first problem I had was one of the last steps to remove the transaxle, it says to insert a flat headed screwdriver through the small round access hole in the bottom of the bellhousing. (while someone at top pushes the release lever towards the transaxle), I was to place te srewdriver tip between the clutch release bearing and its retaining collar and twist the screw driver to release it.
No matter what I tried I could not get it to release.
So I tried going on to the next step.
Everything else is apart, nothing should be holding the transaxle and bellhousing in the car.
There is almost a two inch gap between the bellhousing and engine were I have started to move it towards the side of the car to clear the input shaft.

Now it is stuck. It will not move any further towards the side of the car, and it has not completely cleared the input shaft yet. I've tried going ahead and letting the jack down the holds it up, but the jack can be completely removed from up under it and the transaxle hangs in mid air like it is still attached to something.

My question is does anyone have any idea of why it will not move any further, (does it have something to do with the clutch release bearing's retaining clip).

Any suggestions?

This is my only car for my family, I need to get it back on the road.

[RahX]

The problem is that your clutch has a pull to release diaphragm and not a push to release diaphragm. The throwout bearing is clipped INTO the pressure plate. When you push the clutch in you are pulling the T.O. bearing away from the clutch. Without releasing it you are fighting the pressure plate and you will not win unless something breaks. Get the T.O. bearing loose and the transmission will fall out.