rear axle shaft seal?

[tweakedlogic]

How does one get the rear axle shaft out? I have a leaking seal and have been fighting this for two days. I can't get the shaft to separate from the differential.
Any ideas?

 

[my pos mounty]

Yep. Easy beans.
Open the differential, remove the cross pin locking bolt pictured here

Remove the cross pin, but use the driveshaft flange and do not roll the carrier by turning an axle or the spider gears in the carrier will roll out.

Push the axle inwards, theres a "C" clip on the axle end pictured below. Slip it off and the axle will slide out of the housing. (you may or may not have that "S" spring, it is only in the limited slip diff)

 

[my pos mounty]

Also, more detailed instruction is available in this post: CLICK HERE

(Although it didn't turn out to be his axle seal, go figure)

 

[miker104]

How does one get the rear axle shaft out? I have a leaking seal and have been fighting this for two days. I can't get the shaft to separate from the differential.
Any ideas?

Your Icon info says 92 XL but you posted in the 2002-2005 Forum? The info/link provided by POS is great for that installation (from 91-94 Explorer) but if you have a 2002-2005 with Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) that won't work.

Let us know what version of Ex you are working on (2WD/4WD/AWD/IRS?) and we can get you in the right direction.

Here is a thread with info on removing the IRS rear axle shafts:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=166329&highlight=axle+removal

One more:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=222966&highlight=half+shaft