Elky,
I've had my share of PITA axles. The best way besides the slide hammer method is to wedge a prybar in there and then hit the CV joint housing with a hammer to get the c-clip unstuck. If you do that and try different spots on the axle by rotating it, it will eventually pop free. I broke several pry bars just trying to use the bar by itself. My method works best with two people doing the work. One person prying and the other person tapping. Good luck.
Rick
