How do we get the pumpkin off the rear...

You have to remove the rear cross member put a jack under trans. Then remove cross member lower the trans. Approx 3 inches then u will be able to get to those top two bolts. Don't forget to remove the 3 bolts that connect the flywheel to the pumpkin.

remove the axles then the tail shaft then the bolts . You will need a chisel and hammer as the diff center will be stuck to the housing until you break the seal from the gasket sealant

Sound like you are having axle issues. Check the front and rear axles on a lift or off the floor on stand. Rotate the wheel by hand in foward and reverse rotation. If you hear click noises or hard to rotate then I am pretty sure the axle assembly are going bad. Also while the jeep are off the floor check your transfer case for oils for any metal shaving.

Remove the rear cover. Remove the 5/16 (8mm) bolt that holds the center pin and slide the pin out. Push in on the axle (from the outer stud/drum end). When the "C" clips fall out (inside of the rear-Pumpkin) that hold the semi-floating axle in place, slide the axle out. The gears should come right out.

Did you turn the bearing adjusters on the ends? They are held still with little bolts.

simple!remove wheels wich ever side remove drums or rotors remove rear pumpkin cover! spin gears til u see an 8 mm pin! remove pin/bolt then slide larger pin out ! k push axl in c clip will fall out remove axl ! to install reverse!

It sounds like the retaining bolt broke and allowed the spider gear retaining pin to work itself out. Sorry, that rear end is a goner. Your cheapest route for repair will be to find a junkyard axle with the same gear ratio.

yes this is normal wear, if you have aftermaket wheels and tires the wear will be quicker do to more stress on the bearing, for the rear seal no u do not have to remove the cover if you jack up the side that has the bad seal you dont even have to drain the fluid. the outer bolts hold the axle in. there is no c clip inside the axle to remove

you should have abut 8 or 10 bolts around the rear diff., take those bolts out, remove diff. cover and replace the diff. gasket.. this will fix your problem...

1 out often does it but yes, you have to pull one clear of the pumpkin by about 2 inches. Sometimes easy as pie sometimes drift hammer.