nightcrawler7188

i'm in the process of removing my diff so that when the new one comes i'll be ready to just install it. the diff is completely loose from everything besides the axles right now. i read a few DIYs but they're not very clear and NONE of them have pictures!

the axles are still intact and attached where they're supposed to be, but the 6 bolts on each axle that holds the tulip to the diff are out. the diff is completely loose from the driveshaft and the brackets. what should my next step be? my friend who looked at it said to just use brute force to try to pop the axle out of the diff. but is there something on the wheel side of the axle that i can loosen to get it to come out easier?


thanks! your help is greatly appreciated!

SC_Highlander

On each side:
Remove the wheel
Remove the castle nut on the lower ball joint
Pop the ball joint
This will let the knuckle move around and give you the movement necessary to slip the axles out of the diff. There will not be much wiggle room, though. Push the axles out, then up and to the rear of the car. Let them rest 'behnid' the stub axles, which will remain attached to the diff -- the 'tulip' as you called it.

I'm pretty sure I did this without removing the axle nuts.