I picked up a 9" ford from a guy this weekend. I don't have the gears yet, but it has axles and drums. I was trying to get the axles out tonight, so I took the four bolts off the retainer and it loosened up the backing plate. I can't get the axles to pull out though. I've heard you can take off the drum and flip it around and use it to get a good grip on the axle to pull with, only I don't have the drums. I tried putting my feet up against the backing plates and pulling on the axle flange, but I just can't get enough force on it.
Does anyone know any little tricks to get those things out without the drums?