Suns out!

I've finally got the very old split case gearbox out of the buggy to be replaced by a synchro box.  I'm failing to get the axle tubes off as the outer bearing won't move and I want to use the short shafts on he new box.  My plan was to ask what tool I need to persuade the bearing to move, but...

Another site says that to remove the axles from split cases requires the case to be opened, nasty, and this leads me to believe that the shafts will be different from synchro boxes and so cannot be swapped over.

Does anyone know whether this is true or not.

Why do I want to keep the axles? I've already got 5 to 4 conversion plates which are wider and I have a width issue already.  I was worried about the axles not fitting between the torsion bars properly.  I thought that this a clever option requiring less effing around.

Am I best going for a four stud, pre '72 gearbox and axles with an adapter for the front mounting. Should this fit my obviously-older-than-it-says-on-the-V5 chassis with only longer brake cables needed?

Sorry about the excess info, just frustrated

I can't say I have ever worked on a split case. I have swapped over the front nose cone and a few other bits and pieces to get a late gearbox to fit an early chassis (AVjasonAV)but don't know what you say is true about a split case and their shaft removal.
Sorry I can't be any more helpful than that, but best of luck if you do have a bash at it. Remember to document what you do and photograph it to help others on here. 

New option...  Repair the existing box or get another split case gearbox?