Front differential on 2004 Limited w/ AWD

[pet575]

So in my other thread about potential CV joint noise (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=310935), I have determined that one of the mounts for my front differential has a bad bushing that is causing the front diff to tilt down a bit on the driver's side.

I'm planning to replace the bushing and get the front diff mounting squared back away to level. In the event that my front diff has been damaged, does anyone have any thoughts on the following:

1. The first place I'll look is a salvage yard for a front diff.
2. If I can't find one, I'm looking at a rebuild. Can anyone help me with some guidance on what it takes to do this job?
3. Are there special tools required?
4. Is there some type of special experience that is absolutely critical to where I should let a shop do this instead of trying to do it myself?
5. I'm a pretty handy guy but I'm no master mechanic. I have a relatively basic set of tools but I'm pretty good at fixing most anything with a little guidance here and there. Should I give a rebuild a shot or should I just leave this one to a mechanic?

Thanks!

 

[pet575]

Bump.

Curious to hear what anyone has to say about the potential for the differential being bad based solely upon the noise. I mean, is it all that realistic of me to think that slapping some new bushings on this thing to get it back in the right spot is going to eliminate this noise?

I'm more inclined to think that it is damaged due to it sitting out of position.

Thoughts?

 

[Ronin8002]

You could try the bushings first; that would be cheaper than a replacement diff.

By the way you can knock the axleshafts out with a 12" 1x1 wooden stake and a 5lb mini sledge. When I did my front axle I tried the special tool on 1 side and the wood stick/mini sledge on the other...both methods worked fine.