1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette CV joint driver's side and Headlight's blow

I'm trying to replace the Half shaft on the drivers or left side of the vehicle I had alot of trouble changing the passenger side already Strut tower fully extended there is really no room for regular spring compressors there either. The snap ring was caught in the housing took alot to get it clear needed 2 ton puller to push old one back through the hub assembly. And now the one on the driver's side has a fitting i'm not familiar with on the transaxle side. Almost like it's a female connection the splines are inside the flange I guess you would call it. Also anytime I manually turn on my headlights one blow's out would that be a short in the system and if so what would be the easiest way to track down that short?