DFW, sorry about misleading you on the socket size. Shortly after I said that I went outside and removed the diff drain plug and realise it was 24mm and totally forgot to post it.

Seriously though, you have to find out what the problem is before trying to fix it unless you have no shortage of money and absolutely no friends.

How hard is it to get a friend over (I find offers of beer work) to sit in the car and put it in first and let the clutch out while you stick your head under the rear?

 

Alternatively, set up a video camera and film it whilst you sit in the car. That way you can upload to Youtube and we can all see.

 

when I was turning the wheel to get to some of the other bolts for the drivers side axle, if I turned it too quickly, it made the spinning/clicking sound, so hopefully that means it's an acle?

just got back to the house w a replacement axle, so in we go with it

drained oil out of the car yesterday while waiting on some tools, so can't start car right now

just stopped by oreillys to get a 23mm for fill plug, hope this is the right size, thanks for all the info so far, yes there are some things I wish I could do differently, but I thiink my situation is different tha most, will report back

 

So DFW, have you figured out what the actual problem is yet? You are just spending money....

Let me know about the diff. If it turns out to just be an axle, we can work something out...

 

So pretty much its an axle like I said all the way on the first page? hmm Its really not hard to diagnose the axle takes about 1 second. Jack the car up so both rear wheels are off the ground, leave the parking brake on, start it, put it in gear, let the clutch out, exit the car, walk to the back, look under the car if the cup is spinning and the axle is not then your axle is broken. Then go back into the car turn the key off and order a new axle. Then lower the car back down and wait for the axle to arrive. Then once the package arrives open the package with a knife, inspect it, go out to your car, loosen the rear lug nuts on the side with the broken axle but not to loose just half a turn, then jack the car up and secure it, then remove the lug nuts all the way, then remove the wheel, after that its time to install the axle. We will get to those steps for you when the time comes. Now from this point on I want to remind you you will need to eat, drink, pee, poop, shower, sleep and other various things depending on the lifestyle you choose to lead. These are important steps. Do not forget them.

 

lol, I already have an axle and have it installed, once I fix the oil leak problem, I will put oil in it and see if that was the problem, thanks jaundice, i'll let you know, still unsure what the exact problem is, butbased on the action of the drivers side axle when spinning the wheel, it makes sense to me that it is what busted

if I wouldve known to do that earlier, yea I couldve saved time/energy/money

sorry I don't know how to check all these things and I'm trying to fix multiple problems @once with limited resources

 

How much did you pick up the axle for if you don't mind me asking? I think some places overcharge a lot especially used ones for sale on here.

 

$100 off an 04, came with an extra piece and an extra spindle nut

 

 

Yep.

You can get a reman for 55 bucks.