My guess is its the diff. I'm on my 3rd one and never broken a half shaft. The ring and pinion gear teeth snap becuase they are the weakest link, leaving the diff case intact looking. Draining the diff oil would be the sure way to verify, your going to find tons of BB size metal chucks coming out

 

maybe I can find a socket to drain it before I take it any more apart, appreciate all the info so far

 

Well I've now blown both. First an axle, now a diff.

But the first step is diagnosis. Without this you may be replacing a good part with a good part and ignoring the part that is causing your problem.

I'llcome back to this thread when someone does some proper investigation.

 

is there a way to determine busted axle ?

I wouldve drained fiff fluid first but don't have the socket that fits on there

 

Yep, as outlined in my first post:

 

ok, no safe ways with one person?

 

Not really.

 

ouch!

 

Go to the local Napa, Schucks, or where ever and just buy the socket to drain your diff.

 

Oh no...that's suck man.