Here is the answer in case anyone else is interested. It's always the simple things that get you.
Sam Mac clued me in to just rotate the main gear so that the opening for the end of the axles comes into view. Did that and it took 15 seconds to remove the axle.
The left axle is still on for the picture and will remove it now. See picture.
I will replace the seals and drill an oil return hole as Sam has recommended in another thread. Thanks Sam!
