i want to weld the rear end, the rear end on this vitara is new to me, i had over 5-6 ford rangers before with 8.8 rear ends witch i know i remove the rear cover then i can weld it up, but this vitara is making me ask sum question, what holds the axle in place? the brake back plate or sumthing? i know they will need to come out so i can take the 3rd member out to do the welding job. probably gona put in new seals at the same time as i will be right there and is not looking like an easy task.

Once you pull your rear brake drum/s, you will see (in behind the shoes and springs) the plate that holds your axles in on each side.  You remove the 4 nuts that are visible on the back side of the brake housing.  A slide hammer will pop the axles out fairly easily.  Immediately inside the 4 bolt flange is the axle bearing and right behind the bearing is the axle seal.  The axle bearings are a one piece open bearing design and they can be cleaned and repacked with fresh grease  if they aren't worn.  There is RV sealant between the axle housing and the retainer body to keep your gear oil in and keep moisture out of your bearings and diff gears.   The axles can be pulled without disassembling your brake assembly (you have to pry up a small piece of the brake assembly to do it).  The axle seal can be pried out and replaced by lifting your brake shoe assembly up and prying the seal out then reseating the new seal.  You can get a better angle on it by lifting the brake assembly and 'going at it' from UNDER the brake assembly.... or just remove your brake shoes and adjusters, springs, etc.  

that was my biggest concern, removing it without removing the brake assembly, specially the brake cylinder, i have never taken the rear drums yet so i was very curious about it. now i know how its made. pretty close of my old dana 60 i had on my 1977 4x4 ford camper van