Looking for tips, tools, and tricks for pulling a rear and possibly front axle at a junk yard.

 

Bring lots of large blocks of wood, like 6x6's, a lot of them. You can cross stack them and have a much steadier support than jack stands (assuming level ground). Leave one end of the jeep on the ground while working on the other end (much more safe.)

If I were going to pull both axles, I'd chock the rear tires, I'd yank the driveshafts first, cut or remove all brake line/hoses second, then block up the front end behind lower control arm mounts and start blapping nuts and bolts until the axle drops. If you don't mind man handling heavy stuff and you want/need the suspension components - you can leave the springs and all on the axle and not use dangerous spring compressors - without tires and wheels the front axle can go low enough that you can kind of rotate out and off the bump stop tubes. Then you just have to drag it out. It is zero fun and could possible be more injuring than a spring compressor mishap. lol. But I'd do the front axle first and rear second.

Some yards don't want anyone using cutting tools that throw sparks. But with old XJ's you may have to cut a lot stuff to get it off. So don't get caught if you yard doesn't like cut off wheels. Sawzall with diablo blades can work great too. Extra batteries, extra blades, bring food and drink, some gojo hand wipes, a couple rolls of blue shop towels too..

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY...
Bring a friend who is easily conned into doing miserable work for little to no reward.

 

I 2nd the comment on your local yards acceptability with powered tools...

Shame me if someone who reads this might....

Cut-off wheel, sawzall and a good pair of wire cutters.

Nip the brake lines above the flared fittings in the solid line for both front/rear brake lines retaining the soft lines if they are in fair shape - otherwise cut the soft lines to free them from hang ups.

Remove driveshafts

If shock bolts are difficult and junky shocks still in place, hit the shocks rod with the cutoff wheel and address the bolts for them once the axles are removed with ease of access.

Then hit those u-bolts with the cutoff wheel from the bottom most point of the axle tube, with one cut they can then be spun out of the way meaning 4 cuts and all 4 bolts are done with. Sway bar links could also be cut if need be.

Front axle if keeping it whole id remove the track bar mount from the unibody to avoid fighting axle end bolt. Steering link should come off the pitman arm simple enough if need be a few wacks at the pitman arm should free it or the same act for the tierods at the knuckles if not retaining steering components.

Sawzall or cutoff wheel them control arms

Remember to lift with your back not your legs