I knocked mine out with a piece of wood and a hammer. Getting them out is easy; getting them back in is a real PITA. I used a hose clamp after I clamped it down in a vise. Then, cut the hose clamp off and pulled the pieces out. You did take the set screw out and take the large shaft out from the differential?? Otherwise, nothing will come out. In fact, I don't think you have to remove the spring unless you are going to change clutch packs. The c-clamps will come out with a magnet when you push in on each axle after you remove the set screw and differential shaft.