wheel issues - powder coating

[Mr. Bill]

Hello,
I’m powder coating the wheels on my 1500. I’m having an issue
removing the gear drive plate (not sure what it is actually called)
off the rear wheel. It is secured by a snap-ring which I have removed
but I cannot pull it out. I am beginning to damage the holes in the
plate trying so I thought I’d ask if there is a trick to this. The
plate seems to be loose as it will go down when struck, but it will
not come up and out. The reason that I am trying to remove the plate
is to remove the large rubber bushing behind it…the bushing could be
damaged during powder coating as it will be placed in a 400 degree
oven. Has anyone had a problem removing this plate before? Anyone
know what kind of heat that the bushing can withstand…can I leave it
in for powder coating? Please share your powder coating experience
with me.
Thanks,
Mr. Bill