MG Car Repair: Driveshaft to rear differential union, bolts and nuts, brute force method

Question
I'm in the process of changing the clutch in my 1974 Midget.  I successfully removed the engine and gearbox.  The Haynes Manual stated that I should separte the drive shaft from the rear differential, so I removed the four mounting bolts and nuts from the flange.  Unfortunately, they will not separate.  My initial thought is to take a hammer to the union to loosen the two, but I restrained from the brute force method. I doubt highly that I will be able to reconnect the driveshaft to the gearbox without detatching the driveshaft and the differential.  Can you please help me seperate the two?

Answer
Hi Corey,
Yes, it is a mild form of "Brute Force" time. If you have removed the four bolts and nuts from the flange, and the two plates will not separate. Take either a lead mallet or use a heavy brass or aluminum drift to use a hard hammer on. Just don't beat on the "U"joint flange with a hard hammer directly. There is nothing else holding it besides the four bolts.

Then tie the drive-shaft to the transmission as all the oil in the transmission will leak all over the floor as you lift out the engine and trans. But I guess you already played the "Catch the oil" game since you said you already got the engine out.

Howard