Leak at Differential, clutch and axles

[new2alpha]

I will be replacing the rear wheel bearings next weekend and have 3 questions.
1)I have read many great threads about removing the axles. I think I have a good idea how to do that but I have yet to read anything on how to re-attach them. Any advice? Any tricks?
2) I have a leak on the passenger side were the tunnel connects to the differential. It started when I switched to synthetic lube. I suppose I could switch back but I ran my 4 Runner 200K+ without a tranny or rear end problem with synthetic lube and I am sorta partial to it now. Can I fix this without removing the tunnel from the car? Can I simply remove the retaining nuts, back off the tunnel and seal it with a gasket sealer or do I need to pull the darn thing apart?
3)The car goes in for a paint job in 2 week. Keeping original yellow. Dropping tranny for a rebuild while it is being painted. (usual synchro problems) New clutch when tranny goes back in. The car will not be raced. Any recommendations on a good clutch? Any to avoid?? Pros and cons on the Centerline clutch?

[Elio Comello]

I'm not sure what you mean by "reattach them". The two axle half shafts should be marked to ensure they go back into respective sides. Raise the rear axle on axle stands, keep the car level, so Diff oil does not run out (messy). Remove & replace the oil seals of the axle tubes. place oil on the grease seals and insert the axle half shafts into the axle tube trying to support the axle so as not to damage the oil seals.
The rear wheel bearings are available at most industrial bearing suppliers. You will need new bearing retainers, those you will need to go to IAP or Centerline for.
Removal of the rear wheel bearings from the half axles, should be done by/with the Alfa factory extraction tube or a hydraulic press. Avoid flame cutting that can distort the shaft.
Inserting and setting the bearings and retainer is done with a steel pipe thast goes over the half shaft and hammer.
The half shafts are not pinned/locked in the differential.
Removing the half shafts can be facilitated by using a 6 lb hammer striking the inside sidewall of a reinstalled wheel rim.

Hope that helps.... Elio

[radamm]

From Elio, sage advice learned (I am guessing) at the "School of Hard Knocks"!