E30 Diff Removal...

[Ben Carufel]

Any special tools I need or tricks I should know? Stubby ratchets, crowsfeet, etc.? Any particular tricks to getting at the bolts on top of the subframe?

[JPL]

leverage, ratcheting wrenches

[nando]

don't drop on your hand. it hurts.

[etxxz]

For axels->diff flange you need to buy an 8mm or 10mm "allen wrench" socket for your wratchet. go to advance auto they have them there.

For driveshaft->diff you need a 17mm wrench and a 16mm since i had two different nuts. undo bolts, turn driveshaft and lock with e-brake and undo the other two...adjustable wrenches also useful here.

For the bolts ontop of the subframe you need a 19mm wrench. The trick is to position it inclined downwards for space reasons (most wrenches have a slant at the circular end). To this wrench you are going to hook another wrench (i used a 17mm) and use it to increase your lever arm and they break loose with quite a bit of effort. The two frontal ones you can do with a wratchet if you are skilled enough.

19mm wrench and 19mm socket for the big round back bushing. Have a jack under the diff when you undo the top subfram bolts and maneuver the diff away from the driveshaft, out of the subframe hole and make sure you're not under it 'cuase it might fall...if it does meh, nothing will happen to it.

post again if you need help, i've done 4 diffs in the last year

[AlarmedBread]

If you're doing all the bushings for the sub frame and related parts it could be best to just drop the whole sub frame. Changed diff while it was out, piece of cake.

[ibavarian]

Common sense. Pretty straight forward process.

[mentaleeill]

undo the rear mount and swing the diff down to get to the top bolts easier.

[Simon S]

pelican

bp site

another one

beer

repair manual

tools I'd want (off top of head):
floor jack
extention bar + 6 point sockets + dead blow hammer
'allen' wrench (sockets(?) that you can put in socket wrench) for drive axles
torque wrench
bentleys manual
beer
'tricky-est' part I remember: setting the parking brake while loosening/tightening diff/drive-shaft bolts. (set the brake, loosen accessible, release brake, rotate drive shaft, set brake, loosen, repeat until done)

[Ben Carufel]

Thanks guys. Not planning to install any diffs, just going to remove 2 or 3 of them :).

[Kilawin]

Cool...Let me know if you find a 4.10 LSD

[Axxe]

Ratchet wrenches. 17 + 19 mm. 8 mm LONG allen 3/8 drive socket. Patience.

[Ben Carufel]

Cool...Let me know if you find a 4.10 LSD

I know of an excellent 4.10LSD for sale here in San Diego. He wants $350. PM me if you're serious and I'll give you his info.

[Ben Carufel]

Ratchet wrenches. 17 + 19 mm. 8 mm LONG allen 3/8 drive socket. Patience.

A long hex socket huh?

As in this:

http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/00992319000?hei=250&wid=250&op_sharpen=1&qlt=90,0&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.9,0.5,0,0

[FredK]

Nah, you don't want ball end. I just use a 24" 1/2" drive extension, a 1/2" ratchet, a 1/2" to 3/8" adapter, and a regular 3/8" drive 8mm Allen socket.

[Axxe]

A long hex socket huh?

As in this:

http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/0...sm=0.9,0.5,0,0

Yes, no ball end tho.