I can't get the front differential/carrier out of the housing on the front axle...'02 8.8. Axles are out clear, caps are off, everything is done, but the diff/carrier will not slide out. I know that sucker is sitting in a bearing race so it's pretty much gotta come straight out, so is there any tricks or tips to getting that thing to slide on out of there??

 

It has to be pried out. It is under a preload condition. Put a pry bar behind one of the ring gear bolts and pry against the housing. Put one of the caps back on loosely so it doesn't fall out.

 

Tight is GOOD!

AND, be sure not to lose, mix up the shims. It will be much more "fun" to get in than it was to pry out.

 

yup pry bar, and when you go back together remember to use your BFH

 

If I remember correctly when I did my d44 I put a wrench on a ring gear bolt. I then rotated the pinion (with some force) which pressed the wrench against the case pulling the carrier out. It was either on a ring gear bolt or right through the carrier. If that doesn't work whip up a quick case spreader and it should fall out. The carrier should drop right back in though. Good luck.

 

No prying or beating necessary...Sat it in front of my space heater for about 5 minutes and when I went to move the thing, the carrier literally fell out in my hand! Re-entry was not an issue at all.

 

Even better! If you put your bearing in the oven they'll slip on easier too. Might want to send the wife to the store before baking bearings though.

 

Did the same thing with the outer pinion bearing on reassembly. Threw the pinion gear in the freezer for about an hour and stuck the center section back in front of the heater with the heat blowing on the bearing/pinion area...gear slid right on in!