The forward section of the drive shaft has a “pillow bearing” that was dry rotting on the rubber bits.

I cut off the outside retainer ring by cutting through the rubber membrane, then went to work with the puller and penetrating oil. And a hammer. And a socket extension. And a wrench. And more oil. And a pry bar. And more oil.

Now I have all the new parts to reconnect the shaft – and have sprayed them with rust killer. Notice the gold spots – those are there to guide reassembly as the shaft parts are balanced to each other and need to be connected in that way.

Small victories.