Ok, I think I have it.  Had decided to pull the wheels and fenders. Could not get the right rear off with a 1/2 impact. I assume these are left hand thread. 
 Wanted to get this away from the front half of the tractor so lifted the front half of the transmission with an engine jack and a floor jack under the rear. Once the tires were off the ground I gave a shove on them and everything broke loose. 
  So now I am in the ballpark. I have noticed a small clang near the Diff. when the tires are rocked back and forth in opposite directions. Sounds like an old hand bell the nuns would ring to bring us in from recess, only it would have a rag in it. Sort of muffled. Is this normal? 
  Shifter linkages are really tight. have been working WD40 into it for now. 
  Am tempted to put it back together but will wait to see if you have any input. 
   Thanks