My CK27 when I bought it was sitting beside a Kubota similar size on the lot both had identical identification marks on the front dif housing. I think that was in 2015. Dealer told me they used the same one at that time.
Kioti installed 3 new transmissions in my CK27 it still stuck often then they tried a $600 fix then they added an extra spring to the return. It still stuck some times where I had to give a hard kick to release it. When it stuck and I flipped over backwards I took the tractor back to the dealer...
The telescoping on my CK27 were definitely longer requiring me to buy a longer top link. When I went back to the others I had to cut the shafts shorter on my flail and tiller.
If I was having difficulty getting the rod out I'd fire up the pump and use the hydraulics.
You loose a little oil but it comes out easy and gently as I've had to do it a few times to get the rod out on backhoe cylinders. Never use air pressure you'll be launching a rocket.
It probably didn't appear to work well because the fins were plugged that the fan blows the cool air threw. You have to pull the head liner to get at and clean it. Right after you replace the ceased bearing.