Can I drop my differential safely with the cv axles disconnected or will my vehicle front end fall
- Thread starter mrs111180
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The CV axles aren't part of the suspension and removing them won't affect the suspension.
Charlie207
Full Access Member
I have a spare front diff to swap in, and all the how-videos I've watched in preparation show the procedure straightforward, just heavy.
If the diff weighed 20lbs instead of ~95lbs it'd be an easy job.
If the diff weighed 20lbs instead of ~95lbs it'd be an easy job.
Just Fishing
Can't fix stupid
I use a ratchet strap to scrunch the cv axles in after it they are unbolted from the diff.
From there it's a straight drop down using a floor jack.
I have done it more times than I can count at this point.
From there it's a straight drop down using a floor jack.
I have done it more times than I can count at this point.
Charlie207
Full Access Member
Why are the diffs failing?I use a ratchet strap to scrunch the cv axles in after it they are unbolted from the diff.
From there it's a straight drop down using a floor jack.
I have done it more times than I can count at this point.
Just Fishing
Can't fix stupid
access to the oil pan!
While my converter drove me nuts wiping out thrust bearings....
Charlie207
Full Access Member
What stall speed do you settle on?
I've dropped mine a couple of times. Couple of suggestions:
Fully remove your CV axles. It'll require you to also take your struts off. Pretty straight forward. Gives you room and saves time when it's time to bring it back up.
There's also a frame bar (sorry can't recall the exact term) sits closer to the back and goes across the middle. Remove that. 4 bolts 2 on each side.
I highly recommend a tranny jack but it's totally doable with a combination of a regular jack stand under the pass side and a regular jack. You might have to move it around it's not going to be a clean drop/bring back up. Ideally a 2 person job.
Fully remove your CV axles. It'll require you to also take your struts off. Pretty straight forward. Gives you room and saves time when it's time to bring it back up.
There's also a frame bar (sorry can't recall the exact term) sits closer to the back and goes across the middle. Remove that. 4 bolts 2 on each side.
I highly recommend a tranny jack but it's totally doable with a combination of a regular jack stand under the pass side and a regular jack. You might have to move it around it's not going to be a clean drop/bring back up. Ideally a 2 person job.
BattleTank
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Are you also saying remove them from the hubs too? I've heard this is bad for the bearings.
BattleTank
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I've just head a lot of stories with the S10 group when they remove the CV not to remove the shaft from the hub.
I've done that so many times with zero problems when doing suspension work. My diff has been dropped 3+ times for various reasons. I've probably re-done taken things on and off my suspension 5+ times since 2011 between lift kits combos and suspension wearing out. Only replaced hub assemblies twice due to mileage (268k). Just make sure everything is torqued to spec with a torque wrench and torque the cv axle with the wheels on and vehicle on the ground once you finish (also when you bolt them back to the diff make sure you torque them in a star pattern (like you'd torque your wheels)to the diff, can use a screw driver inserted in the rotor for leverage)
Also if you do remove the cv axles, make sure they are completely unbolted/freeish from the hub before taking the strut out. Don't want to hyper extend them, ask me how I know.
But like I said, you don't have to take them off the hub. It just makes things much easier. Especially if you're on your back by yourself.
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