I have been adopted by an '88DL Wagon and I absolutely love it. I have owned a '89 Pathfinder SE, '75 Vette, and a '96 Volvo Turbowagon and the Sub is by far my favorite car.

 

I need to change my right front half-shaft and I need to do it myself. I have read posts on this and the recommendation is to separate it from the steering knuckle with a BFH. Can a BFH be used to set the new one too?

I would use the punch you use to get out the roll pin to hit the end of the axle out of the hub, that way if you need to you can re-use the axle, if things prove to be more difficult then you have anticipated.

 

 

As far as setting the new one, it should slide right in, or with some minor persuation, a hammer should not be needed, just keep the spacer in-between the bearings centered.

You can use a hammer to get it out, but if you do, reverse the castle nut and run it almost all the way onto the axle to protect the threads. To get the new one one, you can slide it in as far as it will go, and then use the castle nut to draw it all the way in.

You can use a hammer to get it out, but if you do, reverse the castle nut and run it almost all the way onto the axle to protect the threads.

 

Use the punch, thats what the hole in the end of the axle is for!!

sledge hammer + block of wood = great success. that's how i kept a few axles and repacked them as well as new boots.