04 Prestige trailer surge brakes -- Help

[Cruiser64]

Ok gang when I bought the new to us boat, the trailer brakes didn't work. Sourced a new actuator and started the install today and have ran into some problems that I hope you all can help with. Removed the 2 pins and lever style brake away lever and got the front half of the hitch out. How in the hell do I remove the actuator and shock looking thing, which I assume I'm going to have to replace since it came apart while removing the front half. They both seem to be held in place with pins but no way to drive them out either side. I've tried to use a sharp tool and placed on the exposed pin and push it back thinking it was spring loaded but it doesn't seem to want to move. What am I missing here, they have to serviceable I would think.
Thanks for any help or suggestions.
Cruiser.

[Big Block Power]

Well hard to say from here but yes the pins have to come out one way or another. Are there eclips on the inside?
Let me know when you figure this out. I have to replace my little shock too. Mines pretty close to yours.

[Cruiser64]

BBP I'm thinking I'm either in for a new hitch or some cutting and replacing metal to get to those back 2 pins. Enclosed pic with red dots are approx where the pins are located. Still doing research.

[Big Block Power]

I'll try to look at mine when I get home tonight. Mines a bit diff. I've changed the shock on others. No big issue. Hard to believe they didn't make it serviceable.

[NautiGirl]

Hate Surge Brakes. If you have it that torn apart just move to EoH and be done /w it.

[Big Block Power]

Hate Surge Brakes. If you have it that torn apart just move to EoH and be done /w it.

Good point!!

[thunder550]

Hate Surge Brakes. If you have it that torn apart just move to EoH and be done /w it.

Good point!!

Giggity!

[akorcovelos]

Hate Surge Brakes. If you have it that torn apart just move to EoH and be done /w it.

Finally some true CC logic!

[Cruiser64]

Progress on the brakes. Hitch welded up tight.

[Big Block Power]

So your getting rid of the surge brakes then.

[Snowman8]

Brakes are overrated! Lol Who needs them anyway?

[akorcovelos]

Nice, I was just saying today how’d I’d love EoH.

[thunder550]

EoH is fantastic! I don't think I could go back to surge at this point. Looking forward to end results!

[sailor55330]

EOH would be a win. Was thinking of them but after seeing this, maybe rethinking it as a diy. Nice Kooning welds!

[Cruiser64]

Alright next question boys and girls.

1. Can the jack handle be moved to the other side to make room for the EOH unit to sit on the non skid tape between the jack and upright of the bow stop. To me it looks like it should work but have never tried it before.
2. Should I double secure the tongue with a couple of bolts encase the welds start to break while towing? I've check with the local trailer peeps and they all use grade 8 bolts over the stock pins with c-clips.
3. What brand of EOH has everybody used?

Thanks for all your input so far.
Cruiser