separating 'U' joint from front axle assembly

Should the 'U' joint on the drive front part of the drive shaft separate easily from the front axle assembly or should I give it a little persuasion with a block of wood? I thought it would separate very easily. I have to drop the front axle assembly to get the CV shafts out for replacement. I had a bit of trouble with the mounting brackets at the end of the axle assembly and I think I'll need new mounting hardware since one bolt came out with half the rubber bushing still attached to it. I hope I can get these parts easily here in Toronto. I also broke my pitman arm puller trying to get the pitman arm off. That part is on really good so I had to work around it and managed to get the center link and tie rods off in one assembly without removing the pitman arm and the idler arm.
Anyway, I will continue work on Tuesday since I am taking the kids Trick or Treating tomorrow. Bye for now.

Alb