It's a headache. What kind of car?
This is going to help out a bit. Go to Autozone or Kragen and purchase a manual for the vehicle in question.
Follow this link, it's going to give you a really good step by step but not vehicle specific.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/how_to_central/automotive/1715877.html
this is a 4x4
To replace the passenger side drive axle on a 2003 Mazda 6, start by safely lifting the vehicle and removing the front wheel on the passenger side. Disconnect the lower ball joint and any necessary components to gain access to the axle. Remove the axle nut and pull the axle out of the hub, then slide the inner end out of the transmission or differential. Install the new axle by reversing the steps, ensuring all components are securely reattached and the axle nut is properly torqued.
It is on the top side of the housing where the passenger side axle shaft comes out of the transmission.It is on the top side of the housing where the passenger side axle shaft comes out of the transmission.
it is located on the transmission just inboard of where the passenger side drive axle enters the transaxle
Counter clockwise Is that counter clockwise to tighten or loosen? (i.e. RH or LH threads)
no.
You have to remove the passenger side wheel, and inner fenders, then the drive axle and heat shield, then you can get at it. From underneath.....sorry.
It is on the top of the passenger axle tube, between the front differential and the passenger side frame rail.
For the drivers side...brute force. You need to push the axle into the tranny until it seats flush. Sometimes doing the passenger side first is best so then you can jiggle the passenger side axle and it helps get the drivers side in. However Brute force will ON the passenger side, push the axle in enough to line the axle to engine bracket up.
In America and other countries where you drive on the right side of the road, the passenger side is the right side. In countries where you drive on the left side of the road, such as England, the left side is the passenger side.
Change you top strut nut.
if you haven't figured it out yet--heres what you do. Jack up the front of the car, crawl up underneath the oil pan and look up above the passenger's side drive axle. You should see it there.