Well low and F'n behold the shop got the axle pressed out!
Of course after the all the heating and force the wheel bearing/hub isn't exactly in the best shape, so chalk up another $100 to the final bill.
So, a new axle ($60 w/tax) and hub/wheelbearing ($100 w/tax) are ready to go back on the car with the rest of the suspension tonight and we *should* have it done tonight! I hope the old hub assembly comes out alright. :cross fingers: