If the halfshaft is broken at the diff end (they usually are) don't despair - taking the diff out is very straightforward, the only note of caution being that it is f*ck*ng heavy, so you don't want to get your arm underneath it as it comes free from the studs. I've done it on my own a couple of times but in an ideal world you'd have a competent and fairly strong friend on the other side of the car.
Failing that a good trolley jack is handy especially when it comes to putting the diff back in. Just perch the diff on the jack, set to the right height and wheel it into place.
Good luck.
Percyatok