How to remove differential?

[BR-Z]

Please pardon the (probably) basic question, but I put my 73z up on Jack Stands yesteray for a "go through and clean up" project on the rear end, and I'm planning on swapping in a lower geared (numerically higher) differential.

I pulled the wheels, and half-shafts, and as I look at it, it's not clear what the best procedure is for getting the diff out.

I could unbolt the brackets for the control arms, and the whole front differential bracket, of course, and this would give PLENTY of room, but I wondered what folks have learned is the best way.

Racers? Ye who have swapped these out on a track-by-track basis? Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

('73 240, stock R180 diff)

[John Coffey]

1. Remove the rear wheels and tires and place under the car.

2. Unbolt driveshaft (4 bolts) and hang out of the way.

3. Unbolt halfshafts (8 nuts) and hang out of the way.

4. Unbolt front diff crossmember (4 bolts) and let diff hang off moustache bar (don't worry about the rear LCAs).

5. Put a jack or your chest under the diff.

6. Unbolt the diff from the moustache bar (2 nuts).

7. Slide diff forward onto the jack or your chest.

One person car R&R a diff in 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how hot the diff was when the car came off the track.

Edited August 13, 2008 by John Coffey

[Mike]

Nice !

[BR-Z]

1. Remove the rear wheels and tires and place under the car.

2. Unbolt driveshaft (4 bolts) and hang out of the way.

3. Unbolt halfshafts (8 nuts) and hang out of the way.

4. Unbolt front diff crossmember (4 bolts) and let diff hang off moustache bar (don't worry about the rear LCAs).

5. Put a jack or your chest under the diff.

6. Unbolt the diff from the moustache bar (2 nuts).

7. Slide diff forward onto the jack or your chest.

One person car R&R a diff in 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how hot the diff was when the car came off the track.

Thanks John - this was exactly what I was needing! I appreciate you taking the time to help me out. Back under the car I go!

[BR-Z]

-Done!

Piece of cake, following John's method, with one caveat: You may need to unbolt/loosen/remove your exhaust to allow the front diff crossmember to drop free - if your exhaust runs up tightly like mine does (nice for ground clearance, but adds extras steps for a procedure like this)