Rear axle shaft R&R questions

[kevin s]

92 XJ
Working on a Virgin 8.25.
Any trick to getting the rear shafts out? Special tools? Do I need to open the pumpkin?
I have heard that the backing plate bolts should not be reused. Are they anything special, or will Grade 8s do?

 

[whitexj98]

You have to open the diff up to remove the c clips to get the shafts out. Shouldn't need to pull the backing plate to remove shafts.

 

[kevin s]

Sorry. I should have been a little more clear on my intent. I suspect a bad wheel bearing. Don't I have to take off the backing plate to get to that?

 

[xcm]

the 8.25 is a c-clip axle.... treat it as such.
you gotta pull the brake drums, pop the cover, pull the crosspin retainer bolt, then the crosspin. then push the axle shafts in to pull the c-clips, then slide the axle shaft out revealing the bearing.

 

[kevin s]

Ah. Thank you. Very clear now.