I've researched this forum, and PM'd a few posters, but no luck so far with my problem. My 300SD, (299k miles), has been " clunking" more and more over the past 50k miles, and given the end play in my passenger side rear wheel, I've decided to replace both half axles, as well as the differential. I just replaced the driveshaft and flex-discs last month, and no improvement. I have the CD and the Haynes manual, and both mention a special tool needed to press the half-shafts out of the hubs to remove them, as well as, (I think), to re-insert them. As best I can make out, the tool allows the half -shaft to be pulled into the hub splines the final few inches.
My questions: Must I use that tool, or can they just be tapped out, and in?
Anything special I need to know about the R&R of the differential?

Much thanks in advance for any insights.
SteveKaa
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1982 300SD 299k
1984 300D 165k (Ex-wife has it now)