96 Wagon Axle

[badpoor]

I'm trying to replace my left side axle and it does not want to come out.
no prybar worked and I did take the transmission cross member off.
I have bent countless prybars trying to attemp to get this thing out.
Would it be bad if I took the other side out and knocked the drivers side end out through the tranny case?

[zzyzzx2]

Sure, just make sure that whatever you use can keep the differential from dropping.

[12Ounce]

NO!

You will destroy the tranny if you try to go "through" it .... there ain't no way! (Unless there is something different about your tranny compared to the several automatics that I've worked on.)

Keep laboring with the side that needs to come loose. I know it can be a miserable task ... and you will think the axle will never break loose ... but it will!

TIP: I have use tapered wooden shims, driven in place, to put some force on the axle hub ... and then with a crow-bar in another spot on the hub, broken the axle loose. I don't know why these things have to be so difficult. My Windstar's axles just "fell out" in comparison!

[FordMan59]

They will usually break loose easier with a quick jolt than if you just try applying lots of pressure. I've read of lots of people having trouble removing these axles, but I've never had any problems. Knock on wood!! I think the last time I removed them in my '88 Pony I used a flat 12" carpenters pry bar and it popped right out. I think there is also a tool that can be used with a slide hammer to remove them, but I've never seen one so I don't know how it works. Might check with some of the auto parts stores and see if they have one in their loan a tool supply.

[zzyzzx2]

Originally Posted by FordMan59

I think there is also a tool that can be used with a slide hammer to remove them, but I've never seen one so I don't know how it works.

[badpoor]

That tool above will never work properly
there is not enough room between the axle and differential housing to get it completely on.
I had a bad axle on this car and it was totally defictive(thanks advanced autoparts!)What it came down to for removing this axle and everyone should read this was, I need to get a fairly small pry bar and put it through the passenger side of the tranny. the prybar has a bent tip wich will give you clearence underneath the differential pin. all you need to do is place it against the shaft and use a hammer and tap it a few times above and below the pin.
NO AXLE WILL EVER GIVE YOU AN ISSUE AGAIN!!!!
REMEMBER: DO NOT REMOVE IT COMPLETELY UNTIL YOU PUT PASSENGER SIDE HALFSHAFT BACK IN!

[zzyzzx2]

Originally Posted by badpoor

That tool above will never work properly
there is not enough room between the axle and differential housing to get it completely on.
I had a bad axle on this car and it was totally defictive(thanks advanced autoparts!)What it came down to for removing this axle and everyone should read this was, I need to get a fairly small pry bar and put it through the passenger side of the tranny. the prybar has a bent tip wich will give you clearence underneath the differential pin. all you need to do is place it against the shaft and use a hammer and tap it a few times above and below the pin.
NO AXLE WILL EVER GIVE YOU AN ISSUE AGAIN!!!!
REMEMBER: DO NOT REMOVE IT COMPLETELY UNTIL YOU PUT PASSENGER SIDE HALFSHAFT BACK IN!

What brand axle was this from Advance Auto Parts and was it new or rebuilt? Personally, I use the rebuilt ones from NAPA.

[zzyzzx2]

Originally Posted by badpoor

That tool above will never work properly
there is not enough room between the axle and differential housing to get it completely on.

I have to admit that I had wondered about that.