Dan, I did a lot of searching on this topic and this video was just what I needed. Strange enough, I did look at the threads and they looked to be RH (uphill to right). But, since I wasn't getting anywhere, I gave it a lot of heat and PB and went with your instruction...it came off. That was a win! Thank you!
I gave a thumbs up in spite of the profanity which was heard by my 9 year old daughter. I was glad to find out about the left handed threads. I am in the process of dismantling a 1983 ariens and I need to take this part out also, so thanks for the heads up. Not too bad for a first video.
Sorry about the language. I have added a warning in the video's description as a heads up to others who may be offended. Your Ariens is a few years newer, the friction disc may or may not assemble this way. Good luck on your rebuild!
If by sides you mean the skids, (white pieces?) they are custom made. I am a machinist by trade and with a few hours and some scrap material they are what I came up with, mine were shot.