Hey All,

I've run into a snag. I've removed my front differential (Non-ADD IFS), and can't get the axles out. The FSM says I need a special shop tool to remove them, and would rather like to avoid that if possible, is there any way to get the driver side tube/axle and passenger flange/axle off WITHOUT the special shop tool/taking it to a shop.

Thanks,
Noble

 

The axles should pull out with a stiff tug. If not, pop the differential cover, stick a thickbladed flathead screwdriver between them, and give it a little tap with a hammer. Don't go to town or you'll break stuff.

 

With the axle already removed, you can just knock them out with a hammer(from the outside). Preferably a dead blow or atleast brass. But whatever kind you've got works too. Just keep beating on them until they're out. You can't hardly hurt the damn things.

 

Stiff tug, no go, can hear clanging so there's something retaining them. Will try popping the very stuck differential cover, razors or a sledge/block of wood combo (if I can even get it off) and using screwdrivers a la ZUK.

Thanks Utah

 

There's a little retaining ring on the end, but that shouldn't be "clanging"? Try like Hippy says and give them a stiff outwards whack on the flange.

 

Alright, diff cover is off, looking at the 3rd... Can see where the axles are entering the spider gears, but when driving a screwdriver in between the center beam and axle ends they don't budge... They move about 1/8" towards the outside and then stop with a clang. Any thoughts? I'm a newb at diffs and so am a little timid towards them still.

Thanks,
Noble

 

Pictures. But it should be like a spring clip, should compress enough to pull out. Try looking in there, did somebody get a circlip on there?

 

Interested to hear what you find out. I had the same thing happen with an IFS diff once. One shaft popped out without an issue and the other would not come out. Did not try to screwdriver trick though.

 

Nevermind....the OP posted up that it popped out......

 

Hey All,

Got it all squared away and packaged up for shipping. Just needed to be a little more, uh, forceful... Was treating it like a baby before... 4lb sledge (GENTLY) and a long flathead did the trick. Once they started moving outward, they popped out with a few good tugs... There is a little cir-clip around each end http://www.gearinstalls.com/ifs.htm (Very last picture) which I think was holding things up, once it got past whatever it was hanging on it was smooth sailing.

Thanks All!
Noble