Removing front differential!!

[JeSSter]

Do I need to drop the pan if I just need to change the seal on the driver's side where the differential bolts to the pan? Seems like all I need to do is disconnect differential to change seal?

[chevyputo]

when you got those bolts out take two screw drivers and push evenly to get the diff out of oil pan. you got the ac bolts out and the main diff bolts. just follow the picture diagram.

[Kristis Dad]

Originally Posted by JeSSter

Do I need to drop the pan if I just need to change the seal on the driver's side where the differential bolts to the pan? Seems like all I need to do is disconnect differential to change seal?

You don't need to remove oil pan to replace inner seal. I was at the dealers today in fact talking with a couple tech friends of mine, one of which incidently happened to have a TB front diff leak. The leak was at the case halves which is very common due to lack of sealant. He also said the oil pans never leak either. I watched him completely remove and disassemble front diff in no time!
Now I can hardly wait to do mine!

[steveO]

Originally Posted by Kristis Dad

I watched him completely remove and disassemble front diff in no time!Now I can hardly wait to do mine!

Any chance you can details the steps ?
It sound like its much easier than what is posted here.

[Kristis Dad]

Originally Posted by steveO

Any chance you can details the steps ?
It sound like its much easier than what is posted here.

He moved to quickly for me..lol! He removed 2 big shields around the strg rack, disengaged axles from diff.,removed jack shaft, removed motor mount nuts to lift motor a bit and also used ratchet strap to pull motor slightly to pass.side and removed a bunch of bolts and got it out of there. Not sure on the sequence of steps though? seemed a little tough to squeak it out of there so I'm sure it's tough going back in..

[tricguy007]

u dont have to remove the oil pan to get the diff out
1.remove belt
2. remove cooling fan and surround
3. remove alternator
4.remove a/c compressor (u dont have to disconnect lines it will reach if flopped onto top of engine)
5.remove axles,pass. side diff actuator,and the shaft that goes through the oil pan
6.remove drive shaft(front)
7.unbolt the diff
i also removed the thermostat with the lower hose
(the fun part)
muscle the diff out the top
i did my bosses in about 3.5 hours in and out (he blew the pinion out the sideso we had a rebuilt unit on hand when i changed it

[CRMeads]

Great post. I did this same job myself but found one extra bolt when finish. does the oil pickup tube have three or two bolt holding it in.

Thanks
Meads

[tricguy007]

Sorry I didn't remove the oil pan