Front Diff Removal

[Chango]

I know its been discussed a lot...what to remove, etc. We got mine out in about 4hrs. Should be easier if I ever have to do it again. That includes removal of lower ball joints, and inspection of disco.

I did not remove the fan, shroud, batt, lower radiator hose, struts, or any crossmembers underneath. I will however, remove the batt and tray for installation. When bringing it up the front, I had a hard time getting around the fuel line, and batt tray..

Mine was stuck like glue to the oil pan. Ended up using a port-a-power to put tension between pan and diff on the bottom side. Hitting the top of the diff with a block of wood, and another guy with a long rod through the hole in the oil pan, hitting the pin in the carrier to remove it. I have a complete unit to drop in, so I wasn't worried about ruining the pin.

[Trail X]

Why wouldn't you remove the fan and shroud, its pretty quick and really opens up the whole front of the engine to work on stuff. That looks like such a tiny hole! Glad you got it out though.

[Chango]

Don't really know...At 9 o'clock last night it look like a lot more work to do. I'll look at it tonight, might be worth doing to make it easier to slip in.

[Shdwdrgn]

When I did mine, I initially tried following along and taking out the fan, but I couldn't get the bolt to budge. Finally gave up and just went through the bottom.

[Chango]

When it went back in, I took out the battery, and tray. It went back way better... Should have done that first.

Honestly, the worst parts of this whole swap for me were
- trying to get the new races for the pinion in the case, and pressing on the new top bearing on the pinion(closest to the yolk). They just didn't want to go in/on. Fought me the whole way.!
- separating the diff from the oil pan