Can anyone help me locate the discussion thread where a member here installed replacement rear axle shafts? If I recall correctly, they came from Northridge4x4 and already had the bearings pressed on and wheel studs installed.

Thanks, I'm not having any luck searching.

 

You wanna know how to do it??

1. Gather and assemble all required parts and tools.

2. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support the rear axle on Jack stands high enough that you may be able to access the rear axle assembly with relative ease.

3. Drain the fluid from the axles into a suitable container.

4. With a 3/4" socket remove the tires.

5. With an 18mm socket, remove the 2 Brake Caliper bolts (A) and tie the caliper out of the way...do not just let it dangle

6. Remove the parking brake cable from their 'loops'(2)...by pulling and 'wiggling' them out they will slide out from the loop

7. With an 8mm socket, remove the ABS sensor bolts from the support plate (B)...then gently remove the ABS sensors from the plates

8. Remove the 4 axle retaining plate nuts (1) with a 18mm wrench...then remove the axles from the housing. There are no C-clips retaining the axles in...if possible have a friend pull on the axle while tapping with a mallet on the back side of the rotor to release the axle from the housing.

Yes...most replacements should come with everything ready to drop in...very easy procedure...if the axles come unassembled you will have to have the bearings and seals pressed onto the shaft

 

That is pretty much what I figured. When sliding it back in, is it fairly easy to guide it through the inner seal. I was thinking that you'd be able to leave the diff cover on and not drain all the fluid. Does it take any force to seat it into the internals?

 

You can leave the cover on for sure....I just copied and pasted my directions for ripping the rear apart for gear change....expect some leakage from the tubes once you pull the axle, it's possible it'll contaminate your brake pad too if you havent removed them....but anyways, it's easy to slip back in, and no it doesn't take any force at all, just roatate the shaft a little until you feel the splines line up inside than slide it the final inch or so in, the retaining nuts will cinch everything together, no inner seal...the bearing design is outter on the 44's and requires lubrication from the diff oil, it's only the front axles that pose the threat of knocking inner seals out (even then it's tough) removal and instal is as easy as changing a tire in my opinion