Re: Removing shift linkage
Disconnect the 2 12mm bolts on the back of the shift linkage that hold it up to the floorboard behind the shifter. Take off the 12mm bolt that goes horizontally into the side of the tranny through the round bushing on the linkage. Pull the rubber boot back thats on the other rod that goes to the tranny and there is a pin that you have to push out with a punch. Make sure you get the right size punch to fit the outer rim of the pin so it doesnt go into the pin. Before you put this back in you either need a new pin or you need to flare the old one out a little with a smaller punch so that it fits tightly.
On the axles, take off the wheel, use a breaker bar and a 32mm or a 1-1/4" socket on the axle nut with someone holding the brakes inside the car. Take off the 17mm bolt at the bottom of the wishbone that connects it to the lower control arm and pull it through. Take out the cotter pin on the lower ball joint and then loosen it with a 17mm. If it spins you need to figure out a way to hold it. The best way is to use an impact wrench. Now take the axle nut and thread it on a few turns on the axle and hit the axle through with a hammer. Take a screwdriver and pry between the inner axle hub and the tranny, try not to hit the seal with the screwdriver. It should pop out and then just push down on the lower control arm and swing the hub and knuckle assembly out of the way and pull the whole axle out. Do not pull on the axle with the inner hub still in the tranny. It will seperate the joint and might not go back together. Good luck