I have some specific questions about replacing CV boots on my '84 Westy that
I can't figure out from reading my Bentley Manual. . .

1) Can the axle shaft be removed without removing the wheel bearing housing,
axle nut, and rear brakes? It looks like I could simply unbolt the inner end
from the transmission and drop that end of it to the ground.

2) If I can drop one end of the shaft, or even if I can remove the whole
shaft, the manual shows the need to press the CV joint off the axle shaft.
But my axle shaft can easily be pushed back and forth, leading me to think
that if I can drop the trannie end I can simply slide the joint off, replace
both boots, slide the joint back on, and bolt the axle shaft back to the
transmission. Am I wrong?

In other words, can I do this job myself? Or do I need special tools (such
as a joint puller) I have no access to? Heck, I don't even have access to a
garage to do this in. . .

3) The manual shows the joint being held to the axle shaft by a circlip, and
says you have to press (pull) the joint off using a special tool. If that's
true, why can I easily slide my axle shaft back and forth with my hand? Or
does the clip hold the joint not to the axle shaft, but to the thingy that
bolts to the transmission?

If all this is in the archives, I apologize, I couldn't find it.

Your help appreciated.

Steve