99 front shaft

[ablais]

I have a 99 siverado 6l. 4x4 (2000 model)and i am trying to extract the front shaft to change out the u-joint but because of limited clearance between the exhaust and the diff. I have to rotate the shaft after it is free from the front diff. to slide it forward to free it from the transfer case but I can't get it to rotate freely after I go thru the vehicle manual's instructions of putting the transfer case in neutral. Any ideas please .

[silveradofirerescu]

Does it have the push button 4wheel drive? Does the ignition have to be on for the transfer case to be put in neutral? Just some thoughts...

[ablais]

Yes on both cases... I should have mentioned that it was a push button selection.