Diff nose / extension piece removal

[staggering]

Guys - got myself in a bit of difficulty.
I am trying to remove the front diff nose / extension piece (the 4 bolted section that fits onto each of the rear suspension swinging arms) with the car jacked up and the suspension free to move. I have got the differential disconnected, the propshaft disconnected and all but two of the 4 large bolts out of the diff nose extension piece but cannot "pull" the other two out - am I doing something wrong as there seems to be a lot of "tension" around the bolts - does anyone know if I have to support the swinging arms / suspension / anything else to get these bolts out

many thanks in anticipation

Regards
Ian

[flying farmer]

I think when I did this I had to remove the long bolts through the outer bushes on the subframe. Actually I don't think I pulled them out all the way, just up enough to clear the bottom brackets which lets the subframe arms twist enough to take the tension off the extension bolts, then it all came apart easily
Neil

[jakesmig]

Hi,
The swinging arm sections and the diff nose section efectively make up a cross beam so the bolts will effectively be difficult to remove without taking up the load on the swinging arms. Prop the arms up to take off the load and try it that way.
I replaced the quill bearing on mine a couple of months ago and considered it easier to drop the whole rear suspension assembly and fix it away from the car. I took the oppertunity to replace all bushes with poly items and also weld in diff nose stiffners whilst the whole unit was out. All in All the job took 4 hours but I reckon it was easier and safer to do it that way.
Rgds,
John.

[Staghound]

Just how important is it to weld in the diff nose stiffeners,I've got my diff on the bench at the moment and am unsure if welding will distort the quill shaft bearing area.The original welding on the extension is poor(poor even for an apprentice).

[ChasR]

From what I can tell it is quite beneficial and a known fault with 2000s and Stags. I know when I drop my subframe down next Spring I shall be welding mine .

[StagnJag]

Mine is as original and presumably is as old as the car so it will have done 100,000 miles so far and is still holding strong. It does seem like a sensible precaution if you have it all apart and have the tools to weld it up with.

Rgds

Dave

[Guest]

I did what jakesmig said and the last 2 bolts could be knocked out easily. It was a swine putting them back in as well!

[Mike Stevens]

You might also want to disconnect the handbrake cable at one wheel. When the diff nose is removed the wheels will try to move out and the handbrake cable limits the movement and takes the load.

You can ask how I know, and not be surprised by the answer!

Cheers,
Mike.

[staggering]

Thanks for tips guys - to answer Staghounds question about getting the diff nose extension stiffened - from my experience (the whole rear suspension collapsed on a busy road where the car stopped immediately without brake lights etc - very lucky no one hit me up back - as my previous posts / photos) - get it done / buy one already done by suppliers asap - I count myself lucky on this one !!

Regards
Ian

[Staghound]

I'fire up the welder then...thanks chaps.

[elvimto]

When I welded up the extension I had it bolted down to a metal block that I have made to hold the diff when i work on it. helped holding when welding it up

[Staghound]

staggering....I have carried out your recommendation,4 pieces of steel have been cut, shaped and welded in to my diff ext,now its painted it looks like new.Thanks,good advice.