Not that this will do anything other than make you feel a little better, but I'd start out with a great deal of swearing.

I have swore more the last 2 weekends than all of 2010. This build is wearing on my patience.

I have all 4 retainer bolts off. Looks like I get to buy a torch to heat it up. Of course Depot is closed now (More Swearing).

Anyone ever heard of a retainer clip inside the differential by the locker?

Seems like that is what it is since it moves easy in and out 1/4" but then stops. I am thinking about taking the differential cover off and looking inside but that may just making stuff up.

No differential cover either.

It has a Currie Brand Rear end instead of the Ford 9" if that matters. I was under my Bronco and your right - no differential Cover. I guess looking inside the pumkin is not as easy as I assumed. Looks like the Driveline and everything would need to be pulled to access the inside of the Diff and I am not doing that.

Thanks again for all of your input guys - I really appreciate the help. I have my fingers crossed that I can get something to work.

Unable to get into the diff with that axle in there too. Currie rear end is still the same general design as a standard 9".

Hang in there! It will come out eventually!

let me just say - that is jacked up, redneck wrenching from your PO. I might be able to swing by after work tomorrow and look at it if still not out. Sounds like something is still retaining the axle in the tube.

Final update - I pounded the 4 retainer studs out. The retainer plate was stuck on the studs on one side and off on the other. i know you guys would have picked up on this ASAP but a big lesson for this newbie. Thanks for the motivation and help guys - you guys are the best. 2nd weekend in a row that I am happy the weekend is over and can go to my real job

Thanks again guys for the help and motivation!!

Im wondering if the splines are twisted or damaged inside the carrier.

I was going to post up a way to change studs without pulling axles tonight but parts got me the wrong studs. Maybe tomorrow ill get it done. Imagine a customer coming into your shop telling you they have their own shop in oklahoma and one of their mechanics put the 8 acorn lugs on backwards. Yes they have their own repair shop in oklahoma. It has 4 lugs left holding the ruined rim on. He drove it over Floyd Hill, Eisenhower pass, and Rabbit Ears pass this way. E350. Will post the pics tomorrow when the correct lugs arrive.

I had a 76 F150 that gave me fits like that because the splines were jacked up. That's why I thought about it at the last minute. LOL