My CK27 when I bought it was sitting beside a Kubota similar size on the lot both had identical identification marks on the front dif housing. I think that was in 2015. Dealer told me they used the same one at that time.
Kioti installed 3 new transmissions in my CK27 it still stuck often then they tried a $600 fix then they added an extra spring to the return. It still stuck some times where I had to give a hard kick to release it. When it stuck and I flipped over backwards I took the tractor back to the dealer...
The telescoping on my CK27 were definitely longer requiring me to buy a longer top link. When I went back to the others I had to cut the shafts shorter on my flail and tiller.
If I was having difficulty getting the rod out I'd fire up the pump and use the hydraulics.
You loose a little oil but it comes out easy and gently as I've had to do it a few times to get the rod out on backhoe cylinders. Never use air pressure you'll be launching a rocket.