Have a 1978 F250, Dana 44 front, axle seal at the diffy/axle tube is leaking, allowing fluid to run down the tube and out at the U-joint. Got the dust cover off with the Free/Lock selector, and the snap ring off. Now, how do I get that splined collar out of there??? According to the Chiltons, you pull it out. I have a little rim that won't allow that. Any help would really be appreciated.

Theres a metal ring that slips into a groove just inside the lip that you have to pry out before the collar slips out. I imagine you are talking the big aluminum piece, correct??

Where abouts are you in town I could pop over and show you. Its a bitch if you dont know how all the pieces go in there.

Thanks, I'll go and have a look see if I can see that ring. As for popping over thanks I appreciate the offer but i'm up in North Central AB. A little far to go I'm afraid. Once that ring is out, I assume it's just a matter of pulling that collar out?

Thanks Fordboy, got it, once that ring came out, the spring pushed everything out. And yes I'm lining it all up in order to ease reassembly!! Anything else I should know about that system??

No, you got it all now. Like you said keep everything in line, especially the way they come out. If you have one piece backwards, your hubs wont lock up completely, more like ratchet on and off. Once you take them in and out a couple times, its like riding a bike to do it.