How do I remove the rear diff cover?

[GDawg]

03 Exporer 8.8 3.55

I can see the lower bolts in the cover but not the upper bolts. There is a frame rail in the way. If I remove the spare tire will I be able to get to the upper bolts?

Any links, videos or prior posts will help. I did do many searches but couldn't find my answer.

TIA

 

[Ronin8002]

03 Exporer 8.8 3.55

I can see the lower bolts in the cover but not the upper bolts. There is a frame rail in the way. If I remove the spare tire will I be able to get to the upper bolts?

Any links, videos or prior posts will help. I did do many searches but couldn't find my answer.

TIA

The diff cover is mounted directly to that crossmember via those 2 big bolts. I don't know of any other way to remove the cover unless you drop the whole diff. this thread has steps that show what you need to do to make that happen:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=318076

 

[GDawg]

The diff cover is mounted directly to that crossmember via those 2 big bolts. I don't know of any other way to remove the cover unless you drop the whole diff. this thread has steps that show what you need to do to make that happen:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=318076

Wow! I saw the two big bolts. I need to replace the gasket only. The gasket has 10 smaller bolt holes.

Can anyone else chime in and let me know if indeed I have to drop the diff just to replace the gasket? I don't need to replace the axle oil seals.

 

[Ronin8002]

Wow! I saw the two big bolts. I need to replace the gasket only. The gasket has 10 smaller bolt holes.

Can anyone else chime in and let me know if indeed I have to drop the diff just to replace the gasket? I don't need to replace the axle oil seals.

Only gasket you need is RTV sealant. The cover and housing have a groove where you can lay down a bead of RTV, then bolt the cover back on and you are good to go.

I am 99.9% sure that dropping it is the only way but I've been wrong a time or three in my life If you can figure out a way to do this without dropping the diff, my hat's off to you.

 

[GDawg]

Well, wish me luck. I'm going to go ahead and do it one way or the other Friday. I'm going to take lots of pictures that I'll post here for others to see...

If anyone else still wants to chime in, please do!

 

[Ronin8002]

Well, wish me luck. I'm going to go ahead and do it one way or the other Friday. I'm going to take lots of pictures that I'll post here for others to see...

If anyone else still wants to chime in, please do!

Looking forward to seeing what you can come up with

 

[boominXplorer]

Got to drop the diff, its the only way. Might as well throw some updated Ford axle seals in there while you are there.

 

[Ronin8002]

how did it go?