This damn 3rd member will not come out

[nccruiser123]

First time poster, long time lurker. I have a 97 cruiser and looking for some help. I'm rebuilding my front knuckles, and I found the axle guide ring on the inside of the housing along with a bunch of gunk. Decided to go ahead and take out the diff to get the ring out and clean everything up before putting it back together, but this differential will just not come out. It's factory unlocked, but has 4.88s and a Harrop e-locker installed aftermarket. Diff is locked (although not positive it makes a difference with e-locker), axles out, driveshaft off, all 10 nuts off around the ring, etc. I broke the seal and can pull it probably 3/4-1" out, enough where it basically sits flush or slightly over the end of the studs. It seems caught up on each side, and it seems I can tilt it a little bit back and forth on the x-axis, so that the top and bottom will go almost totally past the studs, but I can't tilt it the other way. When I pull it out, I can hear it banging metal on metal. My best guess based on what I've looked up and what I'm feeling is that it's caught on the adjustment tabs (I think that's what they're called) on each side. I'm trying not to pull it too hard so I don't mess anything up, but I just can't figure out where to go from here. Anyone else have this issue or a guess as to what will get it out? I've tried turning the flange as I pull and pretty much everything else I can think of. I also have looked in with a light from the holes the axles go through and can't see anything out of the ordinary. Any help would be very appreciated. Thank you.

 

[jfz80]

I think you are on the right track. I can’t offer experience with the aftermarket stuff but have had to tilt and “walk” an oem one out by turning the pinion.

And welcome! Chime in over here as well if nothing more than for an intro to your local cruiser club. . Lots of folks in your CLT area and some super helpful dudes as well.

NC- Olde North State Cruisers

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[nccruiser123]

I think you are on the right track. I can’t offer experience with the aftermarket stuff but have had to tilt and “walk” an oem one out by turning the pinion.

And welcome! Chime in over here as well if nothing more than for an intro to your local cruiser club. . Lots of folks in your CLT area and some super helpful dudes as well.

NC- Olde North State Cruisers

forum.ih8mud.com

Thank you, and will do. I'll give it another go tomorrow evening and see if I can make any more progress.

 

[Malleus]

Drop me a line if you haven't already gotten it out. I may not be of any real use, but I love to watch other people work.

 

[baldilocks]

Removing the studs from the housing will give you more wiggle room.