Inner Axle Bearing Removal/replacement

[dotsoid]

04 1500 4WD Silverado, 5.3L

I need to replace my left inner axle bearing and seal on front diff. Got some pretty good slop in it and is pretty noisy on the highway.

Once half shaft is removed does the axle pop right out with a little help or is a slap hammer and right adaptor needed? No snap or c-ring on axle.

Also how easy/how do the seal and bearing come out? Got a slap hammer that I think I need to use on the bearing.

I was reading in other post on this forum that guys made sure it was in 4WD before starting this process. Is this needed?

How much of a pain to reinstall bearing and seal.

Job for a novice? (as if you couldn't tell by the question)

Is there a anything I forgot. New fluid once done?

thanks in advance....