Does anyone know how hard it is to change axles on volkswagen vanagon? I have a 1984 Overniter at least one CV joint is going bad. Figure changing both will be better as they have rips in the rubber boots. Has a manual transmission. Does this make a difference?
Have had issues with local shop over the years and would like to do myself if possible. Have jacks and stands but no lift. Have most common tools and have done some work before. (exhaust, tuneups and bleed brakes and slave cylinder) Is there a manual out there that gives step by step instructions? Have seen for Bugs but not for Vans.
Any help would be appreciated.

Bunker762

How difficult the job is will depend on your experience and if you have the right tools. Most garages will just change the entire axleshaft. The cost for boot kits, joints, and the labor for dismantling, cleaning, lubing, and assembling is time consuming and would probably end up costing more than an entire axleshaft assembly. If you do decide to repair it yourself you can usually find better deals for parts on the web and if the total invoice is over a certain amount (like $75) shipping is usually free. I have never done Vanagon axleshafts, mostly Golf/Rabbit and Jettas from 1982 on. Also the boot clamps on most if not all VWs require special crimping pliers. To remove the inner joint from the transmission may also require a special tool.
The most comprehensive manual for this repair would be a Bentley factory manual from Robert Bentley publishing. $99.95 from Bentley but cheaper if you shop around. Here's a link.

VW - Volkswagen Vanagon Official Factory Repair Manual: 1980-1991  -  Bentley Publishers - Automotive Books and Repair Manuals (http://www.bentleypublishers.com/product.htm?code=VV91)

Looking for a used one online may be a better option. Get the ISBN from the Bentley page and Google it. Ebay might also have one. Aftermarket manuals are much cheaper but are usually lacking in certain information so if you don't have much experience with this type of repair you could get stuck.

Another source of information would be VWvortex.com (http://vwvortex.com/) which has technical forums for all types of VWs but I don't know how much information they would have for a 1984 Vanagon. Twenty-five years is a long time for a car.
Hope this helps you.

I Have Bently Book but does not give very good step by step instruction. VWvortex did not have Vanagon information.
Have book on Air cooled bugs and one on toyotas that actually give you list of tools and required parts at start of each operation. Was hoping there was such for vanagon.
Was planning on replacing complete axles as they were cheaper than individual cv joints and boots.
Live in country and don't want to get halfway through and hit a snag. Then have to pay for transport to shop to finish.
May have to rethink DIY.
Bunker762