Diff removal

[elvimto]

I had to remove the diff tonight the last time I did this the car was up on a stand supported by the jacking points. Tonight I placed the jacks under the trailing arms and went to work thankfully the exhaust pipes were not an issue since they are stainless and I swagged then fitted them the last time all going well and all the fasteners removed tried to get the diff out very tight, mmm after a number of attempts I was going nowhere then I had a look the suspension was putting the extension piece in a bind so I move the jacks to the side where the jacking points are and hey presto one diff on the floor. Now I know some may say that's how to do it but getting older is a pain and it just takes a wee bit longer to rewind the tape,,,, any way thought I would post it since we work on old cars, tomorrow fit new seal and bearing and install... So just in case please remember to support the car so the load is off the extension and lets the diff come out,

[elvimto]

[stag8manod]

Hi, If your diff extension does not have the strengthening gussets now is the time do them.
Cheers Ian A

[elvimto]

Thank you I have already done that the last time going to drill a weep hole in the extension tube that way the oil when it leaks it will not get to the bearing and I will have an indication the seal is bad. Never ends does it.

[trunt]

Wow that's a lot of work.. Nice stand.. If the extension is already strengthened then I see no reason to remove it, just drop the diff itself. The quill bearing can be replaced in situ and the weep hole can surely be drilled as well?? Saves a lot of work removing the suspension, brake lines and associated bleeding.. Am I missing something?

[dasadrew]

I found that after removing the diff, it wasn't too difficult to remove the extension housing. You only have to slightly loosen the outer bolts from under the seat and remove the four bolts and nuts holding the extension housing to the suspension arms. It then can be wiggled out quite easily and you can replace the oil seal, bearing, maybe use a speedi sleeve all on the workbench.

Forgot to mention undoing the handbrake cable on one side - which is dead easy.

[elvimto]

Well I spent both days this week end and finished the job,, I could not see how to do the extension in place not enough room to get in between the prop shaft and the extension coupling. I found it best to have the car supported under the jacking points after struggling to get the diff out. Anyway I did get through it but began to realize that being retired from work from over a year the arms and upper body wear not working like they used to. I would eat this stuff for breakfast but sadly time is telling a different story. Now I am not so sure if I want or can keep working on the Stag, I have a 2000 Jaguar Van Den Plas which is super clean and a great car to drive and I really enjoy it, I know the Stag is a different breed but it still has some work to be done like a new soft top so i am at the crossroads. I have a diff that I need to change out the ring and pinion and swap it over so this could be considered a practice run. Oh well give it a bit of a break and think it over but I know its not going to get easier. Job done knackered a well earned beer.

[wilf]

I know what you mean about losing strength, however my view is to carry on, as it is a vicious cycle if you stop exercising and exerting yourself - you just lose the ability to do things permanently. In summary : keep up the struggle! The aches and pains are minor compared to the satisfaction of a job well done.

Of course I recognise that there will come a time.......

[dasadrew]

Yep - got most of those T-shirts! I also see it as a potential route along the "Use it or lose it" road. As life goes on, I simply take the more time which is needed and am continuously creating more levers and tools as force multipliers! It's amazing how the right tools can make tough jobs easier - and even more pleasurable! "Tools" include thick rubber mats to lie on and admittedly also a small hydraulic lift. Looking now also at workbenches on wheels so I don't need to lift a diff from one bench to another if I need the space for an interim gaden project.

[wilf]

Pneumatic jack is a very welcome addition to my garage..................as is a wheel lifting dolly - not so much for the Stag wheels, but certainly on the daily drive SUVs - those wheels weigh a ton!

[jbuckl]

In my youth we fitted lorry wheels with the aid of a shovel to lift / rotate them into position!