[Tech II]

Too much is being removed...you do not have to disconnect the outer tie rod.....do not have to mess with the stabilizer link....do not have to remove steering knuckle(certainly do not have to remove it from the strut)....

Remove caliper, and hang with something, so no stress on the rubber hose.....if brake line is attached to strut, disconnect it, so it is free of strut.....remove the axle nut and drive the center of the axle back just so it loosens from bearing....

Remove cotter pin from castle nut.....remove nut....special tool I use is a large cold chisel.....I wedge it between the bottom edge of the knuckle(away from the boot), and one of the pop rivets of the lower ball joint...give the chisel a few whacks, and it releases the ball joint....using a pry bar, I lower the control arm, remove the ball joint from the knuckle and pull the knuckle/strut assembly outward and to the rear(while pushing the axle inward), and I now have the end of the axle free....now just pop the axle out of the tranny....I recommend a new axle seal, when doing a job like this....

If you are not strong enough, it helps to have someone pull the strut outward towards the rear(while turning the strut assembly like a left turn), while you grab the axle and pull it inward to disengage it(remember, the axle has to be driven loose from the bearing before doing this)....