hello
I am in the process of replacing the oil pan gasket on my 3.0. today when I was removing the front diff I had a problem with the cv axles getting in the way (not enough room) in the process i some how popped the end cap of the inboard cv joint cap off and runny black grease went every where. Is there a trick to getting it out? I did manage to get the diff out but i need some tips so i dont tear up any more cv joints getting it back in.

 

Did you remove the studs that hold the cv to the diff? That should do the trick.

 

Slack Off One Side Torsion Bar, Put A Spacer Under The Top A-arm Over The Bumpstop To Hold The Arm Up.remove The Top Ball Joint..4 12 Bolts And Let The Lower Arm Drop With The Spindle..pull The Spindle Outwards...you Will Have Space Now Since The Cv Will Be Pulled Away From The Diff.

 

Gotta jack that side UP as high as you can with the jack under the a-arm as outboard as possible. I find putting a jackstand under the frame/slider in the back on the opposite side helps the a-arm "flex" more instead of just lifting the truck. May help to remove the shock.

 

I totally agree with Millow. I replaced my passenger side drive axle which is a little more invasive since you tear into the hub but dropping the lower A-arm will get the drive axle away from the Dif housing/axle whatever you wanna call it.

Btw, new drive axles arent to pricey, $80 shipped is what i paid for a brand new one. Forget where online i got it =/

... I think I read somewhere that T100 drive axles use a different CV and fit into our IFS? They can operate are more extreme angles??

 

ummmm.......theres no need to remove front diff to change the oil pan. Only need to remove the hood, loosen the motor mounts, and get yourself an engine hoist. The hardest part of the job is the tiny nuts on the oil pickup tube, and another piece of advice if you don't want to do the job again, is get a new windage tray, or oil baffle what ever you wanna call it. They bend very easy upon removal, and if it does, it won't seal right.....just my .02

 

thanks guys!!! 3 hours of hell by myself and finally got it back together. As you all recommended upper ball joint separation is a must.
thanks again.