Escort half shaft replacement issue

Here's the trick-- I've done four so far. I started with the pry bar like you and could NEVER get them out. What you need is two tapered pieces of metal-- two large, flat, screwdrivers will work. Get under there and put one between each side of the driveshaft and the transmission case-tap them into place with a hammer. Now start tapping on the end of each screwdriver and eventually it will go "pop" and come out--- it's held by a steel ring on the end of the shaft.
Remember, one at a time or the ring gear will fall loose inside the housing!