Triumph Repair: Axel Shaft Splines, bearing retainer, axle shaft

Question
Hi Howard,

As always, thanks for all your past help. My question this time is about axel shaft splines on a TR4A with IRS.

I plan to remove the differential myself and have it rebuilt soon. While this is out of the car, I want to use the opportunity to inspect the axel shaft splines which are designed to slide. So, some of my general questions are:
1. once the diff is out, can I separate the inner and outer axel shafts without pulling the hubs from the car? Basically, I am hoping I an simply slide them apart after the one end is disenganged from the diff.
2. any special tips on disassembling, cleaning, inspecting, reassembling and (especially) lubricating? I suspect the splines have to go back together in exactly the same position as they came apart, correct?

I have no reason to suspect problems but I do have to replace a torn boot and I do occassionally get that "twitch" from the rear end when cornering. I have heard this can be caused by axel splines which are not sliding properly but, which are sticking. Also, if it is not the splines, am I correct to suspect it could be bad bushings in the trailing arm mounts causing the twitch?

Thanks

Bob

Answer
Hi Bob,
I don't understand what you are trying to do. If you just want to remove the diff, all you need to do as far as the axles are concerned is to remove the four bolts holding the "U" joint flange to the inner axle flange on each side. Leave the outer axles in the car and leave the inner axles in the diff.

To get an inner axle shaft out of the differential while still in the car you would need to remove the outer axle and suspension off of the car on both sides. Then remove the four bolts holding the bearing retainer from the side of the differential to pull the shaft out. That would be a very long way around to get the diff out.
Howard