front diff explosions is one of those things that worries me about taking a long trek. I'm building my rig to one day take the kids to the southwest and the Rockies on a cross country (from the southeast) trip.
I understand upgrading the diff to ARB would be the obvious preventive installation, but considering money, what would I do if I busted the factory diff half way across the country? As Slee suggests, pull the drive flanges and drive shaft? Would this get the Hundy back home without repair or a tow? If so, I'd like to familiarize myself with the tools and know how necessary to get it done.
If you are planning a trip out west with family and kids and have second thoughts about the front diff then replace it before you set out. Nothing would be more tragic than blowing your diff on the first run of the trip.