3rd gen front diff is hanging but can't find a way to wiggle out.

[trail_runner]

I'm removing the front diff to get to the oil pan cause it's leaking from the front side of the pan. Removed everything to where the diff is hanging but DAMN! I can not get the diff to come out. It is getting stuck between the steering colum and tranny. I wiggle it the opposite the hex screw falls back into place or don't have room to maneuver.
Been at it all freaking day trying to push and play to find the sweet spot.this p.o.s is pissing me off. Even with help we can't find how the heck to move it out of the way to get to oil pan.
How did you guys do it. Please help.
Thanx!!!!!!!

 

[NateMob]

Did you remove or loosen the steering rack mounting bolts? I have seen others say it has to be done, no personal experience with it. Good luck!

 

[trail_runner]

Everything is off/ disconnected. Hose, actuator, driveshaft,cv, steering colum.
It's a one piece just hanging by the the tranny. I can't get it to pass that point. If I rotate change positions it seem there's not enough space. Pos thing is frustrating. Been at it all day with that single problem and again at it tomorrow. Sheesh.

 

[NateMob]

When you say steering column, are you talking about the actual steering RACK? That is what needs to come out.

 

[trail_runner]

I meant by the steering joint where the shaft connects to.
If you meant the rack and pinion, no I didn't.
How or is there any other wY, not to move the rack. I read post n some said it just falls right out. Bulls*++!!

 

[xcmtb83]

Grab a piece of wood to rest on floor jack then jack up on most forward part of oil pan. Apply just enough pressure to lift the motor so the pinion flange can clear the transmission. Or lift the motor from the top if you are equipped to do so.

 

[JWaldz]

When I took mine out the flange on the diff kept getting in the way. So I took it off and it finally slipped through. It's indeed a PITA to get out.

 

[djskorch]

Im not sure why you guys all had such a problem with this. I didnt have to do anything to the rack or the steering shaft. The back bolt did give me problems for a few minutes with it trying to slip back in but I was able to twist and wiggle it and had the diff out in a couple minutes. Same thing going back in. I had to twist and push a little oddly but within a few minutes, it popped right back in and I was good to go. I do remember it did scuff the paint on the oil pan so it does have a little resistance there but it wont harm anything.

I wish I could explain exactly how I was able to do it. Good luck though. It will come out.

 

[clemson4r]

Im not sure why you guys all had such a problem with this. I didnt have to do anything to the rack or the steering shaft. The back bolt did give me problems for a few minutes with it trying to slip back in but I was able to twist and wiggle it and had the diff out in a couple minutes. Same thing going back in. I had to twist and push a little oddly but within a few minutes, it popped right back in and I was good to go. I do remember it did scuff the paint on the oil pan so it does have a little resistance there but it wont harm anything.

I wish I could explain exactly how I was able to do it. Good luck though. It will come out.

I agree 100%. I just swapped mine out a month or so ago and simply unbolted it, finagled it out (~2 mins) and it was done. Perhaps I have a tiny bit more clearance on the bottom end due to mine being a manual?

Max

 

[djskorch]

I agree 100%. I just swapped mine out a month or so ago and simply unbolted it, finagled it out (~2 mins) and it was done. Perhaps I have a tiny bit more clearance on the bottom end due to mine being a manual?

Max

Mine is an automatic so I dont think that is is. Mine is a 96 (without the 2 front body mount points) so possibly that is part of it?

 

[TheeMikeB]

I did mine by myself and it was a PITA to wiggle out but it was the back bolt hanging up. Hard to say without looking at it and being there but... is it free and clear and just wedged in there or is it still hung up? IIRC mine was hanging on the rear bolt even though it was 'out' it was hanging up on the lip of the frame if that makes sense. Kinda like where the overlap weld is.

Can't force it it's more of a finesse thing.

 

[gs300tt]

Grab a piece of wood to rest on floor jack then jack up on most forward part of oil pan. Apply just enough pressure to lift the motor so the pinion flange can clear the transmission. Or lift the motor from the top if you are equipped to do so.

I have used this method and removing the pinion flang I like this way better.

 

[Brian757]

Do yourself a favor and get a kilo of cocaine to munch on while working...
I would explain my oil pan endeavor, but it was much easier due to my body lift.

 

[trail_runner]

The floor jack with something to jack the oil pan trick did the job.
Jacked it up a couple inches from front of oil pan. Got underneath and some minor lifting and it fell out.
Next is getting that oil pan off. That sealant is tough. I'm cuting and prying at it and it ain't budging. With just leak up front of pan I'm second thinking I should've just resealed it from the outside with permaflex or some sort.

 

[Brique]

Yay! Glad you got it out. You'll be glad you did the repair the right way once you're done.