1993 4Runner front Drive axle removal HELP!

[lleroux5]

Hi All!
I am new to this forum and haven't mastered it yet....just like my weekend mechanic skills, but I am learning. I have a 1993 V6 4X4 and have been attempting to remove the passinger side axle because the CV boots are ripped. My Haynes manual reads easier than the job is turning out to be.....imagin that! If you have done this before and can help It would be greatly appreciated! What I am having a problem with is taking the axle out. I removed the 6 driveaxle-to-differential side gear flange nuts and everything preventing the driveaxle from coming out i.e. snape ring. Now, the book says to "seperate the inboard joint from the differential side gear flange", sounds easy right!. The problem is, I can't get enough space/ clearence from the 6 bolts protruding from the differential flange to lower the inboard Joint Tulip and be able to pull the driveaxle out. I just had barely enough clearence to get the tulip off the 6 bolts. I have pushed, pulled, twisted the tulip and I can't get it under the bolts. Any suggestions??? Is there a suspension or stearing component that I can remove that will give me a little more room? Thanks!

[5 Speed]

I changed these a few times on my 87 4x4 and have you tried jacking the truck up to extend the suspension? If I remember it involves contortion getting them out. If I remember you can push then towards the wheel and they will compress a little too. Get those wheels off the ground is my best guess