Triumph Repair: triumph transmission flange separation, step flange, drive shaft

Question
I'm attempting to remove my transmission on 73 spit but the transmission flange does not seem to want to separate from the driveshaft flange. Yes the 4 bolts are undone but the 2 flanges seem stuck together. Tried penetrating oil. Is there any backwards give to the drive shaft?

Answer
Hi Bill,
If you have left the bolts in place after removing the nuts, it can seem stuck, so you must pry or knock the bolts loose. Even though there is a small step flange that mates the two flanges together it usually can't hold the two together. A brass or lead mallet will usually do the trick.
Howard