Thread: Front diff replacement

I replaced front diff last night. It was a long solo mission. 12 hrs non stop without help. The points to remember:
- be safe, always use adequate jack stands and chocks etc
- depressurise air springs
- the sway bar gets in the way the whole time, remove it first
- get penetrating spray on the abs sensors, rotor retaining screw and tie rods for 3 days before hand
- the rotor retaining screw can be easily removed with a easy out after drilling away the chamfered screw head (as it is the head that binds to the rotor)
- removing the rotors and calipers makes the axle lighter and more managable
- always remove mud shields as they do not like the weight of the axle
- remove the prop shaft first and attach last
- many bolts in the suspension have locktite on them so find the right kind for reassembly
- wheel speed sensors are just an interference fit, if you remove rotor mud shield get a set of vice grips on them gently and twist them out
- use three jacks to position the diff to get the radius arm bolts in, that way you can control yaw, pitch and roll
- drag link must be removed, you can use the toe in adjuster to break it in two if you are having trouble with the tie rod ends, but measure the length first
- breaker bar and air gun are very big helpers

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/'...1&l=ef72e81fb8

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When we did a rear axle oil seal , we removed the axle as a complete assembly as per RAVE.

Great job and write up mate, a big job well done

Steve