STUPID A904 FLANGE question

Yes the driveshaft housing sits in a groove on the flange, persuade it a little. Use a prybar against the trans tunnel and pry it sideways.

The studs stay in the flange, don't try to pound them out. The flange is bolted to the output shaft.

The housing on the driveshaft is not spring loaded, the boot is stiff and will not allow it to move back very easily.