Anyone have experience removing a diff seal?

[P. Kennedy]

I've got the left rear all apart as I type this, having discovered a leaking differential seal on that side.  Caliper is off, rotor is off, axle is disconnected from the diff and hung up out of the way.  I have new seals ready to put in, but I cannot figure out how to remove the old one(s).  The Bentley says there is a large snap ring in the final drive housing opening.  There may very well be one there, but I am not seeing it.  I have ripped all of the rubber covering off of the old seal, and the little spring thingy on the inside diameter, but I cannot budge the old seal (now just a hacked up piece of metal) from the final drive housing.

Please help!!!  :eek:

[ScreamerBeemer]

I did an output seal a few years ago and I don't remember any magic trick or anything. I think I used a big flat head screwdriver and just popped it out.