86 300E - Best way to remove drive flange w/o special tool?

[Phalcon51]

I'm trying to remove the rear axle drive flanges from the wheel bearings. I was able to persuade them to move about 10mm so far with a large dirft and 2 lb sledge, but then they stopped cold.

Is there a way to remove them so I can replace the bearings without resorting to the MB special tool?

Has anyone had any luck with a 3-point flange puller and a slide hammer like the one shown in the picture below?

Any particular reason for them both to hang up at about the same spot?

Thanks for any help or suggestions.

Gary