The drivers side was easy. The bolts for the bracket on the frame was all it took. I would say about 30 - 45 minutes. The passenger side, well.... bolts on the bracket faced the exhaust, therefore I couldnt undo the bracket on the frame unless I took my exhaust apart. So, I took the spring out, undid the shock from the arm, and popped it apart. Problem was popping it back together. Eventually after about 3 hours I got it. My method involved a jack under the I-beam, and a scissor jack pushing the beam back towards the hole. What a PIA it was!

Outboard.. I found the guide on Autozone. I think I can do it. I am just worried if that bolt will break inside the pumpkin. I have heard that they can and will do. I think the axle is an 8.8. I am gonna go look at the tag on the pumpkin.

It is indeed an 8.8 with 3.73 gears to boot!

If you had a come-along, changing out the radial arm bushings gets much easier.

Well I got the outboard seals changed yesterday. I'll upload pics later. I was concerned with the foam I saw inside the axle. Is this normal? Other than that, I think this was the easiest job I have done on the ol girl. Total it took me about an hour and a half or so.

foam isnt really normal, means water has gotten in there. Id probably change the rear end oil.

Ya, I used compressed air to blow the old oil through the axle tube as best as I could. I also scooped out as much as I could. All in all I would say I got 95%+ old out. She is full of good ol China Mart 80-90 gear oil now The bearings on both sides looked great, and the axles themselves had no pitting, scarring, yellowing, etc..

You keep going and your gonna rebuild your whole van in no time.

.......

I know! I rattled off the list of things I did alone for the water pump (pump, thermostat and housing, coolant sensor, serpentine belt, both radiator hoses, radiator), and the guy at Napa raised an eyebrow at me. He said I should be good to go for awhile I think all this mechanical work I am doing will just help this thing stand the test of time.

Just wait, next weekend I am changing the shocks, pads, greasing the nipples around the front end, and repacking the front wheel bearings. Boy that sounded dirty.. ;-)