I need to replace the drive axle boots on my '86 toyota pickup 4x4 (IFS). so i took off the axle-to-differential bolts and got that end of the one axle loose but there is not enough room to pull it out of the hub...

 

jack up and support the frame by the crossmember under the side you want to remove, then unbolt the lower ball joint on the side you want to remove and slowly swing the spindle out. you should then be able to get the inner joint clear of the flange and out of the way enough to pull the outer joint from the spindle.

 

i just changed my cv axle on my 89 runner this weekend, so i understand. i didn't unbolt the bottom ball joint only because i couldn't break it free of the knuckle. i took the shock off and loosened and removed the sway bar, you don't have to take it off the truck, i just didn't want it on for more flex in the front. i also had to remove any tension on the torsion bars to allow the a-arms to fully drop on that side and was finally able to slide a pry bar b/w the diff and the end of the cv axle to compress it enough and get it out. if you can get your lower ball joint out it will help a ton.

good luck

 

rhale's suggestion accomplishes nearly the same as mine- getting the distance from the diff to the spindle as long as possible. I'm sure other's will chime in soon with their ideas.
The main difference I see between what I suggested and what rhale tried is that he tried to remove the joint from the spindle but couldn't separate the spindle from the joint, whereas I suggested unbolting the joint from the a-arm (four bolts- arm comes loose).

 

I had the same problem when I did mine. Where in Phoenix are ya? My lower ball joints also wouldn't break lose when I did mine, so I just ordered the BJ Spacers and swung out the upper BJ to get mine out, then slotted the BJ spacers in when it went back together.

Here's my thread from way back when: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...-axles-119282/

 

thanks guys those all sound like good suggestions. I'm at 19th and Thunderbird but I'm heading up to flag tomorrow to start school. I hope my truck will make it lol.

 

if you're not using 4wd and have manual hubs and they're unlocked, the torn boot won't be a problem.

 

I already bought the boots. they where cheap. But I do plan on using the 4wd.