Do you have to remove the tie rod when replacing an axle?
You need to get an update of your local code requirements see what modifications are locally enforced. While you might want to argue the point, tread lightly here a he'll be inspecting more of your projects it is always best to friend with your local inspectors cheaper in the long run. There's a chance he's new at inspecting or moved from a jurisdiction that requires protection. Locally, protection is not required, but in 2 neighboring counties it is several of the electricians we use have started doing it in anticipation of a change locally. Good luck.
Yes, 8 AWG requires conduit where exposed. I think this is generally impractical so never use smaller than a 6 AWG. There are some that use a similar argument to use at least a 4 AWG (a 6 AWG only requires protection where subject to damage). See 250.64(b)
you don,t have to take it clean out, just seperate it so you can swing the hub out of the way so the axle can come out.
Say Jay Guy , i have done it both ways , but it is usually easier if you remove the tie rod out of the way. If you don't have the fork to knock the tie rod a loose with you can take a hammer and hit it on the spindle just below the tie rod and it will come a loose most of the time.
Front axle(half shaft), yes. There may be some vehicles where you can swing the spindle out of the way enough, but I haven't seen one.
