This is an early model 1967 122S Wagon (P220) with original single-circuit brakes and an IPD rear anti-sway bar

Since I know that my rear wheel bearings are nearly shot and that all my rear bushings need to be replaced and that I plan to upgrade to an 1800E rear axle anyway, I wanted to drop my original rear axle to better service the car and facilitate some few planned upgrades.

So far I have stripped the hubs and drum brake assemblies, unbolted the panhard rod, unbolted the trailing arms and torque rods, and unbolted the driveshaft. This freed the axle sorta, but it seems to be catching on the torque rods.

A close check of the axle and torque rods showed me that there were some sort of inward projections that keeps the axle from coming free. I know that there's a rectangular rubber bushing in there, but with it unbolted, I can't see how it is preventing me from freeing the axle. Is there some trick to getting it free and undamaged?

Now, once it is free, I want to pull the half-shafts to better inspect the bearings. How best to free these guys? They are in very tight and I think some sort of specialized puller may be needed.

Does anyone know if you can swap the 1.75" driveshaft differential flange from a 67 onto a 71 differential? I'm worked that this might be a spline count difference between the spicer 27 (?) and spicer 30 (?) differentials. If it won't swap, I'm going to need to upgrade to a 2" driveshaft and have the rear section lengthened... and swap out my small diamater J-type OD flange for the original large one...

On final question - Does anyone make an adjustable panhard rod for the 220 volvos? If so, would one be suitable for fitting an 1800 axle to a 220? (the mount is a bit different between the two axles)

Thanks in advance for any advice/suggestions.