finally figured out how to take the driver side axle off.
1. point the tranny end (that has been removed) as close to the ground strap as possible.
2. jack under the trailing arm. just let the jack make contact with the trailing arm.
3. remove the nut to the top of the shock/spring assembly (under the trunk)
4. lower the jack/trailing arm. that should give you more room to wrestle off the axle.
5. after you're done with whatever it is you need to do with the axle.. re assemble in reverse order
glad i discovered this.. maybe everyone already knew it.. but i feel like i just reinvented the wheel
pat, pat, pat (on my own back)