I removed the 124 driveshaft last week. I had to pry on the rear flex disc to get the centering pin on the diff to clear the driveshaft bushing. I used a 4ft crowbar. Removing the tranny support was necessary to get access to the bolts on the front flex disc on my model. But, all I was after was the center support and rear driveshaft bushing so the front shaft did not need to come out.

edit> It says in the manual to "Force propeller shaft away from centering pin on transmission and on rear axle." For 123 cars.

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63 220S W111
76 300D W115
2013 VW JSW TDI M6

previously-
73 280 SEL 4.5
86 300E 5 speed
2010 VW Jetta TDI M6