The driver's side axle is held in with a C-clip that pushes into an indent inside the tranny. They can be a little stiff - I got mine out with a small pry bar - it fit nicely between the axles housing and the transmission housing. Just a sharp bump, and the axle was out. You probably won't be able to just pull it out by hand. I think I ended up using the middle one in this el cheapo set of prybars: Harbor Freight 3-piece prybar set

 

 

 

Is the tool you're using that massive slide hammer? If it's capable of getting a good grip on what's left of the axle, and that's not getting the job done... wow. I really can't imagine.

In the end, the only thing holding that axle in should be the interference fit of that C-clip in the channel in the transmission output splines. It might help if you rotate the axle a bit, at least with the prybar approach, since it might focus the forces better on the small gap in the C-clip.

I've seen axles that were a bear to get out of hubs, but that's because they're frozen / rusted in place. Can't imagine that being the case with the inner one.

In the end, I'd expect a sharp rap with the prybar to dislodge the axle. But if not, get a chisel or other tapered tool (like a pickle fork) and put it between the tranny case and axle inner housing. If it's snug and not already up against the axle, driving it in with a hammer WILL dislodge that stubborn axle (half). ;-)

 

 

I can't imagine vicegrips giving you the bite you'd need. It's got to be a VERY solid connection for the slide hammer to be able to impart that mighty thump. ;-)

I'd say to look for a chisel in the appropriate width and I'll bet that axle gives up and comes out with its hands (errrr, c-clip) up.

 

Maybe some are tighter than others but a small pinch bar worked great for mine.