Newbie needs to know how to remove solid front axle diff?
 

1984 SR5
200k miles
Solid Front Axle
5 Speed Manual
6 inch lift


I'm kinda stuck here- the front end has some serious binding issues when going around corners... I went to open up the diff but for some reason it wont open... I removed all the nuts around the cirlce and took the driveline off and it slides almost to the end of the posts but then doesnt come the rest of the way off... I've never worked on one of these diffs where there is no diff cover in front... this is one of the kinds that only splits at the yoke side of the diff (rear side where it connects to the drive shaft)... I tried prying it the rest of the way off the posts but it isnt working... dont wanna pry too hard and break anything...

anyone know how to open up one of these diffs? would reaalllly appreciate the help

did you slide out the axle shafts on both ends??

thanks for helping :)

I thought you normally hve to remove the c-clips inside the diff before the axles will slide out?

what type surface are you on when its binding?

it binds on any surface- dirt, asphalt etc... something seems REALLY messed up in there.. but I cant get the dern thing open

Yeah don't drive on asphalt in 4wd. Some binding is normal in 4wd when turning sharply

yeah its like that binding but times 5 or 10... even in 2wd though and when the hubs are unlocked... somethings messed- any suggestions on how to crack the diff?

did you just buy the truck? Possibilty of PO welding front dif maybe. Haven't tackled my front locker install yet so can't help ya with the gettin it open. I do know that your gonna have to rebuild your knuckles once you pull the axles

lol sorry boss- thats way over my head at this point... I'm still tryin to just get the darn thing open lol

You don't have to rebuild the knuckles, although it is a good idea if it hasn't been done.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/mainte...nd/solid_axle/

you must remove both axle shafts before removing the diff!!

you just need to slide the shafts out enough to get the diff out, but if your in there you might as well replace the inner axle seals at the least.

Ain't no c-clips inside the 3rd member (diff) on a Toyota.

I'll keep that in mind- thanks

crap... was afraid of that... but thank you very much for letting me know- the chiltons book didnt mention ANYTHING about it

inner axle seals- got it thanks :) and just so I'm clear- to slide the axle's out, I gotta remove the hubs and take apart the knuckles right?

got a feeling this is gonna be a real learning experience lol- thanks for the heads up

you'll have to remove the hubs, rotors and spindles. I think thats it, its been a while since I've been in there.

well that certainly helps- thanks again for the help

did you not believe me when I said you needed to remove your axle shafts. Generally in my exp. with grinding in the front. it usually is the hubs. Although they may be "unlocked", if the spring or any other damage occurred inside, they tend to stay "engaged". Sometimes even old grease will do that (when it turns to crud). Before you go tearing into your third, you might want to check your hubs. you will eventually need to any ways to get your third out, unless you are absolutely certain that the grinding, or "binding" is coming from your gears. If you are careful enough, you can remove the knuckles, hubs, rotor, etc... without having to service them, although I would highly recommend that you clean, and repack the bearings. Might even want to replace the seals. But, that's just my $0.02.....