Transmission disassembly( BJ8) equipped withOD

[James E Austin <ahbugeye1@juno.com>]

In disassembling the  complete mainshaft assemble,  I ran into trouble
getting  
the bearing housing with the bearing off the shaft ( the bearing in front
of the 1st gear).  I have removed the circlip from the shaft and the
abutment collar ( the two piece washer that fits in the grove in front of
the bearing).  Should I apply force or am I missing something.  
Thanks in advance.
Sam Austin