2000 Gmc Front Axle Shaft

[7060]

I am working on replacing the pinion bearing on a 2000 GMC Old body style truck. I have the front differential out of the truck and the right half removed, showing the back side of the diff. carrier. How do I remove the left inner axle shaft. Is there a retainer I need to remove or does it just pop out. Ive pulled on it but it hasnt moved. please help

[gmtech4]

put the halves together again and give the axle shaft a smack with a hammer,you can stress the shaft abit with a prybar on the opposite side of the shaft and smack it again,

 

they do just pop out HOWEVER.....

 

if you hear a high pitched "twang" and it does not come out you are in trouble,

 

you can do 2 things if it doesn't come out

 

1- attach a large slide hammer to the axle shaft flange and tie a 6' peice of 5/8"heater hose around slide and with a buddy holding the diff,just giver a few times and it WILL come out ,the clip has to break and does wreck the splines =new shaft or time with a file

 

2- take the half apart again,remove cross shaft bolt,turn the ring gear till the shaft can be moved far enough to get a decent punch on the back of the axle shaft and giver,it WILL come out.

 

have fun,cause its not fun

 

#1 is done in the truck easily with the knuckle gone

 

the little spacer that comes out after goes on the dvrs side ,it creates the home for the clip or get a blow up pic,you;ll see what i mean