2007 Honda BF225 Propellor Shaft

Trying to remove the propellor shaft on a 2007 BF225. Have successfully loosened the propellor shaft holder and pulled it back approximately 1-1/2" . Pulling and tapping haven't worked to remove it further. I thought this whole assembly pulled out as a unit once the propellor shaft holder was loose. Related, the short shifter rod at the front of the lower unit wiggles back and forth when I tap / pull on the propellor shaft which suggests its hung up on something. But, I don't think anything should be hung up on the shifter shaft. Any suggestions?