340 utility adjustable front axle problem

This is a "before" photo of my 340U right after I bought it. As you can see, the adjustable front axle (hollow) had been set to it's widest postition, so I had to do something. I was able to remove the bolts and clamps with heat, penetrant, and a sledge. But everything I tried to move the axles failed. The angled design complicates everything. I even modified a couple lengths of I beam to slide over the dog legs, and used two 25 ton hydraulic bottle jacks, one on either side, to put pressure on it while I heated the outer axle cherry red with a rosebud tip, and it wouldn't budge. I finally bought a replacement axle from J.P. Tractor Salvage in MO. They told me they are sometimes successful as shown in another post by pulling them between tractors with lots of heat. But it's a 50-50 shot. Still have the lengths of I beam if you're close enough and want to try it, and the old axle if anyone wants it.

And the axle tube is hollow.

Allan