Adavice on removing C-clips from rear axle shafts?

[schef]

I'm trying to remove the C-clips off of the axle shafts. Everyone says that they should fall off after I take the 3 inch steel pin between the middle of the axle shafts out. However, they are not falling off whatsoever...any help? Thanks

 

[quick01snake]

did you take the brakes off, and caliper bracket and rotor, and also abs sensor (with a 1/4" socket), then when you remove the cross pin from the diff, you can push the axle in enough to expose the c-clip...