Yes you need to remove the 5 bolts holding the drive flange on. Under that you will need a 53mm thin wall socket to remove the jam nut then locking ring/washer then another 53mm nut. Remove rotor then behind that there is 6-8 bolts holding the hub on, remove them. Then pull cv an axle out. Repeat on both sides. Remove driveshaft, then you can remove the diff out of the housing.

You might have to remove the tie rod in the back, at least I had to in mine but thats with a heavy duty steering setup not sure on the factory stuff?

 

The large socket DM was probably referring to was likely for the hub bearing nuts, but hard to know since we don't know the conversation.

What Spike was talking about was removing the swivel housing complete.


1 - Remove the wheels
2 - Disconnect the tie rod ends (key #5)
3 - Remove the swivel ball to axle housing bolts (just below the number 8)
4 - Slide the whole unit out about 5"

This will slide the half-shafts out enough to pull the diff.
If you don't have someone who can set up a diff there's no point in looking at the bearings, just order a used one.
Have you checked with GBR what he charges to set up a diff? And what shipping would be, compared to just buying a used diff.

If you're doing the the hub bearings at the same time then just go by the steps you listed removing the hub. But you'll also need to remove the stub axle after removing the hub to pull half-shafts out far enough to remove the diff.

 

DM called me an hour after the conversation. He meant on a DII that I needed a big socket. I have a DI, so no worries. But that 53mm socket do I still need it on a DI?

 

On the D1 the hub nuts are 2 1/16".
If you remove the hubs you need it. If you use Spike's method you don't. But if you're replacing the hub bearings then yeah you need it.

 

I was taking off the CV joint and Axle shaft on front right side of the vehicle waiting for the diff oil to finish draining. When I was about to start on the other side I checked the oil, metal shavings. Ordering the new differential today or monday, Sigh.. had to reassemble everything again. What a way to spend you saturday morning

 

Where did you get the Pot Of Gold to pay for all that? Did you hit the lottery or soneone being kind to you?

 

I found a job and I work? $600 a month isn't that much but beggars can't be choosers right?

 

Congrats on the job. What do you do?

 

I'm a host at a restaurant, I do oil changes, I fix iPhone LCDs and I buy screens for friends and people online (mostly teens since I get screens for $15 online and charge $25, I'm the only one with a creditcard)

 

Keep up the hustle young man.