front diff stuck inside pumpkin

[bp71k5]

Alright, I'm feeling dumb. I'm replacing the seals in the front d44 (I know I need a d60...) and have tried everything I can think of to pry the diff assembly out after I removed the 4 bolts and the bearing race halves. Any tips for getting this out? It says it was manuactured 5-11-71 so I guess it's been in there a while.

 

[readymix]

Put a box wrench on one of the ring gear bolts, then turn the front driveshaft by hand and the carrier will pop right out......

 

[4X4HIGH]

I'm assuming you already have the knuckles off, and the axles out?

 

[bp71k5]

Hmm, I'll try that. A crow bar wasn't working earlier. All the writeups on here make it sound so easy...

 

[bp71k5]

Yea, axles out, but steering knuckles still on. You mean take the two bearing retainers off right?

 

[4X4HIGH]

The axles need to be removed in order for the carrier to come out. In this order you need to remove wheel, caliper, hub/rotor assembly, caliper bracket, spindle, then remove the axle. Now with the diff cover off mark and remove both carrier caps and pry carrier out.

 

[HarryH3]

Leave the bearing caps loosely in place so that the diff doesn't bounce across the garage floor when it finally pops loose.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Leave the bearing caps loosely in place so that the diff doesn't bounce across the garage floor when it finally pops loose.

Good point, those ring gear teeth might just take a finger off if it lands on it.

 

[bp71k5]

hmm, axles and hubs are off waiting for new bearings. I tried the wrench method and... no budging. It's really in there tight. do any of the side gears need to come out?

 

[readymix]

If the axle shafts are out then try the wrench thing again. Turn harder..........it will come out

no need to remove the spiders

 

[goldwing2000]

hmm, axles and hubs are off waiting for new bearings. I tried the wrench method and... no budging. It's really in there tight. do any of the side gears need to come out?

Side gears have nothing to do with the carrier being tight. Try turning the pinion yoke the other direction with the wrench method. Only one direction will make it pop out. The other direction will actually pull it in because of the direction of the curve in the hypoid gears.

You know you're not just yanking on the wrench, right? You're using the wrench as a wedge against the housing as you're turning the driveshaft input. (just making sure) That has always worked for me, without fail. If your carrier is really stuck in there that solidly, you may have to use a case spreader to get it out.

 

[4X4HIGH]

There is actually a tool called a case spreader that sometimes may need to be used. Most of the times though you can pry them out without much trouble.

 

[bp71k5]

I'm going to have to try one of those case spreaders. The wrench didn't budge anything. I even took a crowbar and tried to pry it out with a hammer. Didn't move a bit.

 

[sandawgk5]

Did you put the wrench on a ring gear bolt and turn the pinion yoke with a big F0(kin wrench? That will make it roll right out.

Ira

 

[bp71k5]

Yep, did exactly that. Even hit the big wrench with a hammer to put more force. Just dents the case... it figures I'm the one who can't get the thing out...

 

[readymix]

[hijack]

Ira, My wife thought that your avatar was a killer whale

[/hijack]

 

[sandawgk5]

[hijack]

Ira, My wife thought that your avatar was a killer whale

[/hijack]

Ira

 

[bp71k5]

Got it out with $15 clamp and cut the tip off (of gthe clamp) so it fits better. Now i have a specialized diff puller. Thanks for all the tricks. They worked fine for the rear, but the front was really tight even once it broke loose. Now i just gotta get those seals out.

 

[desertrat67]

I nkow you already got it out, but i used a strap and pulled it out with another vehicle. placed a pile of rags on the ground in front of it to catch it when it fell.

 

[sandawgk5]

I nkow you already got it out, but i used a strap and pulled it out with another vehicle. placed a pile of rags on the ground in front of it to catch it when it fell.

I was just about to tell him to reassemble the hubs enough to put wheels on it, tie off the dif to something solid and back the truck up unitl it popped out . There is always a way to overcome ourt rigs stubborness .

Ira