3 piece drivelines

so i am changing my u joints and the guy at the parts store said all three are the same however when i got the driveline out the u joint at the rear end and the u joint at the trans seam to be fixed in place there is what looks like a snap ring on the outside but it has no room to compress and come out. in my repair manual it says 86 and later long bed models have only a replaceable center u joint and the outer ones have to be replaced by buyin a new driveline half. it didn't mention extra cab models. has anyone delt with this? do i have to replace the whole half of the driveline?

the two outside ones are "stake type" u-joints and non-replaceable with conventional tools. However most good driveline shops can machine them out and replace them with conventional u-joints, but as I was told, It's expensive and only comes with a tailight warranty. as soon as they can't see your tailights, your S.O.L. I just went to the local Pick-a-part and pulled out a whole shaft in good shape for less than $50, if it lasts another 30,000 miles i'm money ahead in my book

There is a company in Texas driveshaft specialists (I believe) that will build u a one piece with replaceable joints .Not too bad a price if u are going to keep ur truck awhile.BJ