Update:
The car is now at an indie, and he can't get the axle out either. But he does not give up easily.

It's now obvious the wrong snap ring was put on the axle during the rebuild. I'm screwed if it doesn't come out because the car is undrivable. I don't even think the transaxle can come out without disconnecting the axles first. What are the chances of going after NAPA for some kind of compensation?

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma