I am replacing my front differential the shop manual simply says release the shaft from the diff housing but I can't get them to budge is there something I am missing or a trick? Help Please.

 

The shop manual also shows a lot of specialty tools as well. Perhaps some our pro's finally home from the shop, will relax and comment. The poor rascals only work half days, the first 12 or the second 12...

Pages from manual atached, seems like curclip may be riding on something.

BTW, what prompts replacement of the diff?

 

Started hearing a horrible grinding noise from the front end turned out the pinion seal leaked, and had lost most of gear oil what little was left was full of metal shavings.

 

How many miles, and had you ever replaced the fancy fluid? I know they spec 150K, but it is less than a quart in there. How much did theparts set you back?

 

We just bought it a few months ago with 120k so I don't know the history. I had been real busy and had jiffy lube do the last two oil changes so I didn't see the leak until it was too late. I will definitely be doing my own oil changes and will be changing diff lube every other oil change. found a used diff with 75k on ebay for $675.00 with shipping

 

We have had reports of $2000 at the stealership. And I recall one guy who was given an LR3 by his brother (thanks, bro!), had diff serviced, left the west coast and was driving across Montanna when the drain plug wiggled out. Not a lot of dealers up there.

 

I am stuck at the same spot. How did you release the half shaft???