'89 Escort GT axle shaft removal (1.9 E.F.I. HO +5 SPD)

I am attempting to remove axle shafts from a 5 spd manual transaxle and am having no luck. The Mitchell E-repair manual says to simply pry the shafts out of the case. I'm not sure how hard you should have to pry but I certainly dont want to break anything in the process. I am attempting a clutch, pressure plate and t.o. bearing r and r and while it's out, throw in a new oil pump and pan gasket for good measure. The shafts came out of the hub ends fine and given all the assembly there to hold it in, can't see why there would be any locks or retainers at trans. end. Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated