Well folks,

My old hoopty is almost back together. Two new axle shafts, differential seals, and rear shocks. The most difficult part for me was getting the c-clips off/in the axle. I wound up modifying a really poor quality pair of needle nose pliers to remove the c-clips. I turned each needle tip back in a curve; all I had to do is snake the tip through the c-clip and pull---very hard. Seems easy but for me is very tough flat on my back, on wheeled creeper with limited traction.

I am in the process of reassmbly now... whomever suggested removing the upper shock bolts, Thanks... it gave me all the clearance I needed to get the shafts in/out it was easy.... Thanks.

All I need to do now is put the C-clips back in and seal up the differential. I've got a good pair of needle nose pliers to reinsert, but I'm looking around my shop for a copper water line I can cut a three in section off and fashion into a reinsertion tool. My thinking is it would be easier to put the c-clip in slots cut lengthwise into the pipe, to hold clip steady, and then use my trusty rubber mallet to bash the c-clips back into the axle groove. Lemme know if I can save all this bother and run to autozone or the like to pick up a c-clip insertion tool...

Thanks !

Butch