Replacing the front differential cover gasket

[gnx547]

On my 98 Explorer, the front differential cover gasket is leaking and I looked at it and the diff cover is close to the crossmember. Looks like a pain in the ass! What a stupid design from Ford. How do I remove the front diff cover so I can replace the gasket?

 

[my98nnj]

You've got to drop the diff, it's actually not that hard to do.

 

[ophidia]

I was wondering the same thing. Mine's leaking too. What's a quick rundown on what to do to drop the pun'kin?

 

[gnx547]

Dam, that stinks the whole differential has to be dropped?

 

[gnx547]

I was wondering the same thing. Mine's leaking too. What's a quick rundown on what to do to drop the pun'kin?

On this forum, is there a write up on this?

 

[Turdle]

There is a cv axle how to thread, once they are out the front diff drops down after removing the drive shaft, the hanger bolt on each end and one vertical bolt on the torque plate.

 

[SoNic67]

I think there is no gasket for the front one, it's just sealed with gasket sealant.

 

[gnx547]

There is a cv axle how to thread, once they are out the front diff drops down after removing the drive shaft, the hanger bolt on each end and one vertical bolt on the torque plate.

By chance do you have the link for it? thanks

 

[gavin]

By chance do you have the link for it? thanks

How To: Replacing 2nd Gen Front Axle Housing

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217459

thread I made some time back