Really I'm trying to replace the whole center diff portion (new center section has 4.56 gears) but obviously I have to get the axles out of there first. I have no manual but need to get this done somewhat quickly (just found out I'm moving). The truck is a 1990 with ADD hubs.

Questions:

First I thought I had to remove the complete hub...but turns out perhaps I didn't have to? I got the driver's side torn down to the spring clip so that I could slide the outer stub out of the hub. Then I removed the spindle from the top and bottom ball joints so that I could pry it out of the way.

Next I went to the inner portion of the axle and THEN I notice it is a bolted connection, not a spring-clip style slide in axle. Could I have just undone the bolts here and dropped/replaced the center section?

Now the other problem, I tried to remove those nuts using my impact gun and don't seem to be getting anywhere, the thing is trying but its rotating the diff insides before it loosens the nut.

Any tips? Do they indeed slide out or am I on the right path?

Thanks!!

 

I believe you can remove the diff. by removing the studs connecting the axles and diff.
http://www.off-road.com/toyota/cheaptricks/quickcv/

You don't have to get new hardware, you can just grind down the splines on the studs and reuse them. As far, as the diff. spinning, I think you can just put it in 4Hi and that will keep it from spinning. The motor has to be running as the diff is vaccuum actuated.

 

well, I guess I only did one side in vein, the other side the CV boot is torn anyways. Thanks for the info, i've almost got the axles out, then onto the diff

 

Good luck, the first side always takes about 4 times as long.

 

pound hard on those bolts that are squeezed onto the diff. takes a lot more than i thought it would, but make sure you don't "mushroom" the bolt. once you get 2 out your golden and can squeeze the cv axle out. man forums make things so much easier......

 

Big key is to jack up the lower control arm as much as possible!

I replaced the studs with bolts M12-1.25x30mm IIRC - same size is used lots of places - calipers, tranny crossmember, diff mounting bolts...

To lower the chunk, I couldn't get the 3 big bolts to move, so had to do the smaller ones that connect the diff to those mounts. What a PITA! But, I don't have an impact gun either...