i finally got the sensor to move. i ended up heating the metal flange, not sure if that made a difference but with progressively harder taps, it finally budged.
didnt think to turn the car on yet and see if i ruined the sensor(s).
next question for you all:
one axle had one spot of damage on one spline.
pics below, two pics of same spot.
im gonna be honest, i want to get this thing all back together today, and am leaning heavily toward installing it back as is rather than ordering a new axle and waiting a week. question is, is this a big deal this spot of damage? obviously, im guessing no, but if some of you folks say this axle wont last 100 more miles then i will put this all on pause and replace it.
thanks