5 inch shaft housing extension

[Flash74]

I am replacing an old saltwater Merc 150 25 inch with a newer freshwater Merc 150 20 inch. I have everything apart but cannot get the extension off of the older motor. I have fabbed a puller and used some heat (not a lot) but it will not budge. Has anyone done a conversion like this?

 

[Flash74]

Never mind. I cut into the upper housing and severed the studs. It popped off right away. Now to machine new studs...…..