Dropping Front Differential

[crsurf1]

I'm in the process of replacing the upper bushing in the front differential. I've got the prop shafts loose and now it looks like it would be easier to drop the whole differential than try and install it while still in truck. Any feedback or ideas from anyone that's done it?It looks like 2 bolts holding it though I'll have to remove the driver side upper control arm.
Thanks
Craig
SY1542

 

[4C FED]

When my motor was out I was going to replace mine.
But there is a lot more to remove than the driver side control arm.
You'll need to remove the steering link? That thing that the tie-rods and pitman arm connect to. And maybe the pitman arm.

I can't remember, but it looked like a big PITA, so I decided that bushings looked to good to replace. :smile:

 

[crsurf1]

I think I'm going to try and put the bushing in without removing the diff. I was told the output flange will come out if I use a slide hammer. My manuals don't show very much detail on this matter, but it's the driver's side. I appreciate the info though as I've been a little wary of diving in.
Craig

 

[cornell]

I've had mine out twice; no picnic but really not too bad: the axels pull out with little resistance- I did not need a slide hammer- comes out pretty easily, but be prepared to do alot of jockeying it around once all the bolts are pulled. You gotta get it in just the right position to clear the mounts & frame. You won't believe it will come out, but it will. While you've got it out take it apart and check the carrier bearings- the cups were loose in the castings. Could'nt afford new halves, so I glued 'em in place with a Loctite product made for this. That was a year ago and it's been fine since. Check the pinion seal too, as it's prone to leak. It's such a PITA to yank this thing you'll want to go through it while it's out... Cornell

 

[crsurf1]

I made a mistake looking at the diagram. It isn't the bushing but the bearing the axle rides on. It looks like the case has to be split to get to it even though it's on the outside edge of the output hole. The whole output flange was moving on the driver's side when I pried on it. Are parts readily available still?
Thanks
Craig