Main cap stuck???

[Mac29]

I am new to flatheads and tearing down my first one (59A). I got it most of the way tore down with out problem. Got the rear and front main caps off but the center one will not budge. Any tricks?

Got another newbie question. The rod ends seem too big to pass through the cylinder. Do they need to come out through bottom with crank out?

Thanks,
Mac