Can't put it off much longer.

[Mike Arman]

As the subject line says, it is time.

I have to change the driver's side halfshaft/drive axle on my 86 non-turbo
standard transmission FWD 5000.

I have the correct driver for the tranny flange studs (triple square), have
a reconditioned and re-booted drive shaft, even have the new nut for the
outboard end and a paper gasket for the inboard end.

It is my understanding that on the non-turbo 5 speed cars, the suspension
doesn't have to come apart - evidently there's enough room to unbolt the
drive flange, remove the big nut, and withdraw the shaft back out of the
wheel bearing in the hub, working toward the engine compartment.
Installation is alleged to be the reverse of removal. (Uh-huh.) I also know
not to move the car without the axle bolted in and torqued.

When I pulled apart my parts car ("the wreck that keeps on giving"), I
remember one axle came out of the hub easily, but the other needed some
convincing with a large Harley tool (BFH). This obviously wasn't much good
for the threaded end on the axle, but I'm sure it also damaged the hub
bearing.

My questions, therefore are;

Can I do this without further disassembly of the front suspension, and if
not, what else comes off?

If the axle decides to stick in the hub, what's the best way to get it out?
Collection of pullers? Brass hammer (doubtful)? Witchcraft?

Do I recall something about loctite (or similar) on the stub axle and let
it harden for XX hours, then torque the big nut?

Anything else I should know about this? Does this sound like a dirty, but
not very long Saturday afternoon job, or will my car be apart for months?

Best Regards,

Mike Arman