Jagmandave said:Remember, the large nut that secures the drum is attached to the spline/pinion which, in-turn is geared to the rear axel. The spline/pinion turns in the opposite direction of the same-side axle.
OK, showing my ignorance of your particular model, I didn't know it had the extra gearing there, I thought the spline was on the same shaft as the wheel...my bad.
Glad you got it off OK, onward and upward!
I know what you mean about the right sized tool for the job. I was trying to get my blades off my ZTR with a 1/2 breakover bar and a 5ft length of pipe. After breaking the bar and the socket, I went down to Sears and bought 3/4" drive versions................came right off!
Yes, it is amazing what the extra bit of metal on a larger, heavy duty wrench accomplishes. In this case, bigger is better!
By the way, I figured that you were thinking that the spline was on the same shaft as the wheel. Nobody (and certainly not me) knows all aspects of all models, especially ones that they don't own or never had experience with. Bottom line -- I thank you for your interest and willingness to help. That is what makes this forum so great!