[spanishjames]

I think you're supposed to take the cylinder off before you take the sideplate off. The forward screw on the sideplate usually holds a small pin and spring that hold the cylinder in. Once that screw is off, the cylinder and crane should slide off. Then you can tap the sideplate off. The fact that you removed that screw to take the sideplate off, allows the cylinder to pop out easily. Pictures would help us out here.