2003 LX 470 Front Differential

[asut01]

Hello All,

Does anyone have a procedure to disconnect front differential? I am planning to buy a 2003 LX 470 which has blown front differential, and guy claims it needs to be towed. I need to drive at least 125 miles to my friends place who has a lift.

 

[TheForger]

Removing hub flanges and drive shaft in case of broken front diff

 

[asut01]

Thank you! Got it, is there enough clearance under neath the truck or I would need to bring floor jack and stands? Also, how does the front differential gets disconnected from the transmission?

 

[bhicks]

Thank you! Got it, is there enough clearance under neath the truck or I would need to bring floor jack and stands? Also, how does the front differential gets disconnected from the transmission?

The front diff isn't connected to the transmission. It's connected to the transfer case via a drive shaft. Remove the driveshaft. Remove the outer flanges at the wheels and your good to go. When I grenaded my front diff (03 LX470) I had to do this. Took about 30 minutes if I recall. I was laying in the dark on snow so I'm guessing I could have done it quicker if I wasn't freezing and I had some sun light.

 

[TheForger]

^^This. It would be easier to do with the wheels off but it is not required. Actually, the only time it is required is if you are running spacers or your flange is stuck on for some reason. Most of the time this process is done on the trail and often times taking the wheels off are not an option. If you're in your driveway and new to the land cruiser seen I would say take them off. It will allow you to get better leverage when it comes to pulling the parts out, and I always learn best when I can see all the parts in one frame and not have to duck back and forth behind a 32" tire...

That's nice and super safe to do, but I don't even jack up the truck to do this. I'm not lifted and I have smaller than stock tires on and I can fit under the truck to remove the driveshaft and of course don't need to remove the wheel to remove the flange so not sure this applies to everyone. But if you have to jack the truck up for some reason, by all means, safety first.

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD while navigating gnarly trail. Typos are inherent.