Removing a Diff Drop

[TheGrrrrr]

My diff drop from Dobinsons is not compatible with the skids I ordered from BudBuilt (as I understand it, the diff drop has little benefit on a 200 anyway) but I did not install myself and have no idea what I’m getting myself into as far as removing it in my driveway. Haven’t found much even on installing a diff drop so nothing to work backwards from either.

Simple question I need answers to:

1. Is this as DIY as it seems like it should be?
2. Any special tools or a lift needed?
3. Is it likely the installer used different (longer) bolts but didn’t provide me with the originals, which I will need to source?
4. If DIY, is it an hour a day, or more?
5. My long-time mechanic charges $70/hour labor, so should I just ask him to do it? The dealer did the original install.

 

[TeCKis300]

Having pulled the front diff for a re-gear, I think it's likely you can do this yourself. Take this with a grain of salt as I've not actually installed a diff drop. But I believe its doable without pulling any major components including driveshaft, and the CVs.

It should be just a matter of pulling several pucks off the mounts? Though having the correct length bolts may be necessary.

For a pro, I'd imagine this to be about a 1hr job, as it's just removing the cover underneath and getting at the 3 major mounts that are in plain view after.

 

[CharlieS]

Maybe just reverse a set of installation instructions?

Here are the Dobinsons instructions: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0029/2795/1981/files/DDLC2001-3.pdf?v=1582754658

Looks like you'd need to source the factory bolts.

 

[TheGrrrrr]

Maybe just reverse a set of installation instructions?

Here are the Dobinsons instructions: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0029/2795/1981/files/DDLC2001-3.pdf?v=1582754658

Looks like you'd need to source the factory bolts.

I’m usually good at finding that kind of stuff, but wasn’t having luck. Thanks for posting the link.

 

[TheGrrrrr]

@Taco2Cruiser Rob, I’m guessing some of the hardware will be replaced with what comes from you, but the 3 main mounting bolts wont be. Any chance you guys have a few of them around? Happy to pay for them.

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

@Taco2Cruiser Rob, I’m guessing some of the hardware will be replaced with what comes from you, but the 3 main mounting bolts wont be. Any chance you guys have a few of them around? Happy to pay for them.

I have sent factory fasteners to some other guys with skids. Too easy to get more as BB has a Toyota parts account. It’s like $20 for the two front bolts and their nuts.

For removing the bolts. Just take both front bolts out and put new ones in. The drive shafts (CVS) and the front prop shaft along with the rear mount will hold the front diff up nice and safely. With skids out of the way, you can remove those pucks in 5 minutes. Super easy.

 

[4wheelgreg]

How much lift are you running to require the front diff drop ? How are your CV angles ? Any possibility if you can put spacers under the skid plates and space the plate down to keep your CV angles lower but you will loss ground clearance .

 

[Fishinsea]

Yes, I to am curious as to how much lift you have that requires a diff drop

 

[TheGrrrrr]

How much lift are you running to require the front diff drop ? How are your CV angles ? Any possibility if you can put spacers under the skid plates and space the plate down to keep your CV angles lower but you will loss ground clearance .

I don’t need a diff drop. I just didn’t do enough research to realize I didn’t need it. I had a cv boot leaking grease after my lift (ome 2.5”) was installed which led me to believe I needed the drop. I should have done some reading on here and would have realized that the boot was probably leaking from the a rough install of the suspension.