CV joint help! con't

[Jeff Hager]

OK, thanks for all the advice. So far this is what I have and my steps to perform the swap.

1.       Floor jack and jackstands
2.       32mm ½” drive socket with breaker bar
3.       14mm deep well socket and end wrench
4.       17mm socket and end wrench
5.       21mm socket
6.       Pry bar and deadblow hammer
7.       Pliers
8.       Catch pan
9.       Cardboard (to lay down on)

Steps if I remember from last time
1.       Loosen lug nuts
2.       Jack up car and put on jackstand
3.       Remove wheel
4.       Remove axle nut
5.       Remove sway bar mount nut (if necessary)
6.       Remove strut mount bolts
7.       Wiggle axle back through wheel bearing
8.       Place catchpan under axle seal
9.       Pry axle out of transmission

I have a few questions left:
1.       How do I check the trans oil level once I put the axle back in?  I have only ever drained and filled it entirely.  I need to drive the car home 12 miles before I can drain the trans and fill it back up.
2.       Any idea how to keep the alignment settings when I reattach the strut?

Again thanks for all the comments.  I had a bet going with a co-worker about how many answers I would get back over an email post.  He said I would never see more than 5 posts I said it would defiantly be over that.  I think the signal to noise ratio is much better here than ANY forum I have ever read.

Thanks, Jeff