Thanks for the reference to the tech manual. I was reading on another tractor forum that someone found a short cut that avoided removing the fender etc. They removed the snap ring and was able to slide out the hub. It does not come out easy but he did it by leaving the wheel on and pulling it out. When he got it out he then had to remove one side of the u-joint. Remove the two king pins and it slides off of the output shaft. Then he was able to slide the transmission shaft off of the other side. I don't know how true this is for my X304. I thought it is worth mentioning in case someone here has direct experience and can comment.This is quite involved and you need a copy of the TM2308 Tech manual for the X304 machine. Especially if you haven't done this before as I haven't seen one these either. The manual will have pictures along with instructions.
But answer your question on the snap ring. No you don't remove it but you whole steering knuckle. Even this get quite involved as the fender pan and fuel tank has to be removed. Basically you will need plenty space as you will be half disassembling the mower.
Yes, thanks for saving me the time to post that from the manual. Bert has a point. It may be an error as that seem like a ridiculously high torque. The manual only says remove. It does not say how to.From the service manual.
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For a 1 inch bolt that is not that high of a torque. It did not seem to be that large as I recall seeing it. I was thinking more in the 16 to 19mm range or about 3/4". I will be at it tomorrow and will confirm its size at that time. It really looks like removig the king pins is required to remove the transaxle from the carrier. I can not find any other confirmed process to do it.I called the local JD service department this morning and they have no idea what tool is needed either.
Well the only real way to find out is to get access the king pin bolt and use a caliper.
I did find this spec for the bolt.
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So if it is a 1"- 12 or 14 bolt the head size is most likely 1-1/2".