VERY LONG OVERDUE UPDATE:
What TRevv said did the trick, lightly tapping the bearing free'd up the two halves of the case. I actually found a 2 foot section of PVC that fit on the bearing perfectly. i tapped that with a hammer, and it came right apart. I was able to complete my trans repairs. A big thank you to all those that replied.
Glad to hear that worked for you. Have fun building.