Differential Removal and Axle Stands

[BrianRose]

Hello I am looking for a couple of bits of advice.

I'm trying to remove the differential, I have undone all the bolts I think I needed to (disconnected drive shafts, front four bolts (diff to extension), back diff mounting plate to body (nuts, washers and rubbers). The diff with some helped then dropped a bit, but at no point did it threaten to part from the extension. I can only think it is due to where I have supported the car and there is no twist available for the extension to allow the diff to slide/fall out of the extension.

Does that description sound like it is possible or have I missed something?

Related to the above, but also needed as independent advice. I should explain at this point that I don't believe I can use the jacking points on the sills - at some point my car has had new outer sills fitted and it looks like jacking points are missing.

Where should I support the car on axel stands? (I have confused myself reading through past posts on this and similar questions so I'm afraid I'm asking the question again).

Also is it possible to support the car on the body and if so where by?

Any advice or ideas would be most appreciated.

[jbuckl]

Support the body at the rear floor using wooden braces. Should be fine.
If the rear floor is flakey, just use the two subframe to body locations.

Have previously made a welded up jacking platform for the diff that fits into a 2 ton jack spigot, to secure the diff onto the jack…. Not essential but helps of you are doing it on your own.

just pull the diff towards the rear…. About 3/4 of an inch & it’ll be clear of the extension & ready to lower out & down.

[BrianRose]

Thank you for the advice. I have after a little delay got back to it and removed the diff and extension. Now to try and stop the leaks. I've found Don Kennedy's write up which looks excellent, so here's hoping.

[sujitroy]

When I was doing my diff, I made a few YouTube Videos during the process. It may be of some help: https://youtu.be/B9nSYt3JlBU