Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - Difficulty removing tub drain flange

The popup drain mechanism in our tub froze up due to corrosion and extreme crappiness, so I though I'd be smart and replace it with a foot-operated popup drain. Pulled the old drain mechanism with no problem, but the new mechanism requires me to pull the old flange. I can get it to rotate, but it won't seem to loosen, leading me to believe that something is coming apart further down...

Ideas?

jplummer, Welcome to the DIY Forums.
You may have a retaining nut that holds the flange under the tub. That would be a reason it turns but does not come out. Good luck.

You should have asked before doing this.

Just pour a bucket of water down the drain and see if you have a leak. Hopefully, you did not break the drain shoe off the the tee where it ties in with the overflow drain. This would allow the whole assembly to spin while not loosening and this would be bad.

Get back to us on the leak issue and then you can be told of tub hardware that does not entail dismantling the entire drain to put in a toe tap drain or a lift and turn drain.

Good luck...