Many years ago I did this job on my old 1973 BMW 2002 with RWD and IRS as in your 960. Needless to say, I don’t remember every step! Split boots would make things a lot easier if you ever find them! Can you locate any repair books? Failing either one, this thread from the bimmer forum might provide some basic help as BMW’s for decades also used RWD, IRS with CV Joint Axles.

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1700288-How-To-Remove-Replace-a-Rear-Axle-Shaft

As they mentioned, I do remember the outer CV joint should be easier to remove. Then you can tie up the axle while you work on the differential CV. A solid chisel, hammer and perhaps an axle puller are some tools that might be helpful.

--
Will I buy another Volvo??? We'll see....

Dear jimo,

Hope you're well and stay so! I've never worked on a 960 drivetrain. That said, see: https://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/Driveline.htm#760960CVJointRemoval .

This may be helpful. I'll stand aside in favor of those, with relevant hands-on experience.

Hope this helps.

Yours faithfully,

Spook

Hi Jimo,

I didn't know that the 900 series had front wheel drive.
I had to pull 850 drive axles and found the rental tools based on slide
hammers at Auto-zone and Advance auto to be useless.

This tool from ebay worked nicely for me:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/224786735944

Warning: Don't go crazy when popping the drive axle out with this tool,
since it is bearing on the tranny case which you don't want to injure.
A medium sharp hit with a 32 oz. ball peen hammer pops them out nicely.

Consider replacing the tranny seals if you pull the drive axles.

Bill