In need of expert assistance please!

[T4tomo]

My money is still on it just needs the wheel bearings replacing, which in all likelihood are sealed cartridge bearings, and the freehub body will be fine.
that's a job (replacing bearings) I use a my local mobile cycle mechanic for, I don't have the tools for removal and refitting, and its quite a specialist job that needs to be done right.

I fear the OP is going to buy parts (i.e freehub) they don't need /fit and still be no better off, potentially worse off by the end of this process. A chain whip and cassette tool are sensible purchases though, so all is not lost

Are bike servicing places open in Canada? - I'd take it there and get the bearings checked out / replaced.

 

[Ghost66x]

pics. i can not slide the axle out, waiting on my cone spanners to unlock those, 15mm and 19mm.

im so sorry guys i know literally nothing about this portion of my bike, so im learning with the help and guidance of everyone here.

i will mention again, taht when i roll the axle it almost feels like i can feel each bearing roll. im gonna measure those and just replace the bearings if they are not sealed. if they are sealed, ill get a bearing puller/press and take them out so they can be identified.
was able to remove the cassette with the fr5.2 and a leather gloved hand and some oomph.

as we can see from my photos, there are washers and nuts on the ends of the axle, i bought it used, it never came with a quick release mechanism on the rear wheel, the front wheel is QR.

i ordered these parts, should be here in a week or 2.

SRAM PG-850 cassette - new
SRAM PC-870 8 speed chain 114 link - new -

do i need to purchase rivets or a quick link? i also have a chain tool thing coming. el cheapo from walmart matching the chain size.
once everything shows up and before rebuild, it will be cleaned! and greased! and Lubed!

 

[Ghost66x]

ATTN THREAD

drive train has been upgraded
waiting on hub bearings, shop is gonna do those for me

bearings - sealed- srb 6001

North Shore Billet - Norco VPS 12mm Derailleur hanger
Box four 8 speed wide clutch rear derailleur
Box four 8 speed single click shifter
Sram 8spd chain
Sram 11-32t Cassette
Bontrager Comp series Shift cable and housing kit - white
Raceface -32t - narrow/wide 9/10/11spd chain ring

perfect 1x8 setup, zero issues, perfect shifting.