Dig

I have a bad rt front half shaft. The boot has a rip in it (although I suspect dirty play by the garage that showed me the problem). I have found one in a local CarQuest in town. My questions are:

1.) What is the size of the nut threaded on the end of the halfshalft running through the spindle?

2.) Is there a torque setting for this nut upon replacement or just tighten it till my hands hurt?

3.) After the nut is removed how do I get the halfshaft loose from the spindle?
Does if press out? Is there a special tool needed? Or does it just fall out upon removal of the spindle?

Any other information on "how to" remove this will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks