ok im getting the popping and clunking while turning i have never installed cv axles so i am a little intimidated. what tools are needed and how long of a job would this be? 97 4dr 2.2ex

 

Buy a Helms manual.

 

If it's your first time, then you could take something like 1 hour or even more.
You need a good set of wrenches, 17mm sockets, a big socket for the axle nut, which i don't remember if it was thirty something mm or what. Will need something to pry off the axle from the tranny and basically, some patience to top it all off.

 

put it on jack stands, remove wheel(s), unstake hub nut (replace with new nut when finished), loosen with breaker bar and 36mm socket. may need cheater pipe. remove lower joint cotter pin and loosen lower ball joint nut about 3-4 turns, install a 2 jaw puller to break the joint loose. remove the nut, pull the lower arm down while lifting the knuckle to disconnect the joint. remove the axle nut, spray penetrating oil onto the axle splines and push the axle thru the hub while pulling the knuckle out. if it won't push thru, LIGHTLY tap with a rubber hammer, and once that's loose, get a pry bar and pop the rear axle joint out of the trans. should come out easily. grease up the inner boot surface and shock fork on the inside and the axle will come thru it. you may have to lift the lower arm with a jack to get the right clearance thru the fork. Saves time to not have to remove the fork. grease up the new axle boot and outside of fork and install new axle. be very careful when inserting the axle in the trans, clean and lube the axle shaft just before installing and push it straight in to keep from damaging the seal. put the suspension back together with a new cotter pin and torque the new nut to 181 lb-ft with a torque wrench. stake the nut in place.