thanks Scott.

looks like I will probably try loosening the top ball joint via the
recessed hex bolts and see how far the knuckle flops and if that
allows all of the axle to come out. Got things soaking in some nut
busting stuff, tackling it tomorrow.

alistair

On 16-Apr-10, at 1:47 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans wrote:

you are right, in that the axle will just move inward on the outer
end after undoing the nut.
if the splines are not stuck or rusted.
and I think you have to undo at least a tie rod end ....
and maybe even remove the caliper, since the brake hose also limits
how far out the hub will flop , so you can get enough room to push
the axle in  far enough to get it out of there.   After undoing the
inner end of course.

if anything is corroded or  stuck or tending to get that way, it's
better to take it apart and reassemble now, so any corrosion is
addressed that's there.
more work, but better in the long run.
I get nervous when things are left together for years and years,
particularly if the van is operated in slush, snow, mud etc much.

Scott