I have found that if you stand behind the sled and grab the two silencer outlet pipes, then rigorously lift/twist/turn/pull the silencer backward, eventually it loosens up and pulls out. A dead blow hammer does help get things started for sure. Spray some PB blaster or similar on the joint ahead of time to get some lube penetrated into the mesh gaskets etc. This process works best if you do it before loosening off the Y-pipes from the tunnel mount and headers.
Also, care should be taken when re-installing the silencer into the two Y-pipes, very easy to mangle the round mesh gaskets, I usually polish the Y-pipes well and apply a film of grease to the pipe and gaskets in order for them to slide together easier. The mesh gaskets are compressed and don't relax if at all, so the fit when re-installing is very close, and the gaskets can fold or peel over easily if not aligned well.
The tubes of the silencer are serrated where the mesh gaskets go, to allow the band clamps to tighten down on the mesh gaskets. When replacing damaged or worn gaskets, I work these serrated ends over a mandrel I turned up on the lathe to expand the joint again, this makes installing both the new gaskets and the silencer over the Y-pipes a breeze.
Cheers
