I've been doing the brakes on my '94 Landcruiser, no problem with that, but
I've noticed a slight oil leak from the right rear axle when I pulled off
the brake disk to check the handbrake and adjust. So I suspect an axle oil
seal needs replacing.
I have one of those rather useless Gregory's repair manuals and all it says
about removing the rear axle is :-

1. Remove the axle shaft to rear hub nuts and spring washers.
   [OK done, removed six 12mm nuts and spring washers, bit tight with rust
but they came off OK with WD40.]

2. Using a hammer and brass punch on the studs remove the cone washers from
the axle shaft flange.
   {Here I'm stuck. I've tried tapping the studs with a brass drift, but
nothing happens. I can see the "cone washers" but how hard do I have to belt
the studs to get them out? I'm afraid to bash the studs too hard for fear of
damaging them. I've applied some WD40 and let it stand overnight.}

3. Install 2 x M8x25mm bolts to the threaded holes in the axle shaft flange
and tighten evenly until the flange is dislodged from the rear hub.

   [OK no problem, I can do that, but it seems you have to get the cone
washers out first as per step 2]

There are no comprehensive illustrations in the Gregory's manual to help.

Can anyone please advise on how to go about step 2 to get the cone washers
out, just tapping the studs even fairly hard with the brass drift dies not
seem to do the trick.

Cheers,

MugMechanic.