I thought the front drive shafts that connect to either side of the front differential just popped out when pulled on, similar to the rear. I thought they were held in the diffential with a wire ring that would compress and allow the shaft to be removed from the differential, but I can't get these to budge. Any ideas? thanks,

 

that is how they come out. maybe if they been in for a while take some pb blaster (pentrating oil) to loosen it up. it just snaps out the way you think it does. sometimes you may to pry on it at the same time.

 

I had trouble getting mine out as well. It takes a sharp pull. I have heard some guys recommed using a slide hammer connected to the axle to give you that 'pop'. Good news is, if you have to take them out again, it will probably be easier the second time around.

 

I had the same problem with mine when i ripped the cv boots. The easiest way i got them out is with a slidehammer. Just a note when u put them back together clean them up good and apply some antisieze to it. The second and third time i took mine apart it was a lot easier.

eric

 

i clamped a big set of vise grips onto the shaft and tapped it with a small sledge at just the right angle.
if you watch your fingers, it will pop out on the second hit.
not too hard.......

 

vise grips and a hammer worked for mine, try a little bit of grease on the splines when re-assembling the shaft, this will keep the moisture out for future repairs.