99 Tacoma 4x4 remove front differential carrier

I have taken off the CV axles and the front carrier mounts. Removed the vacuum lines and electrical plug. Removed the rear mount nut. Yes I did remove the front drive shaft bolts. How do I get the unit out. The stud that the rear nut is fastened to is holding it. When I rock it the carrier contacts the engine and will not pull out. I removed the a bout 12 years ago but don't remember how I got it out. Anyone know what I'm not doing?

 

You just have to get it at the right angle, even going back in it seems like it will never fit and somehow it slips back in

 

Rotate it forward. The rear mounting point is a stud, and has to clear the transmission bellhousing.

 

I had to unbolt the driver side motor mount and jack the engine up a couple inches to get enough room to pull mine out.

 

When I try to rotate it the driveshaft sleeve hits the bell housing.

 

Yup. That's what will happen. You have to rotate it very deliberately to get it to clear the bellhousing. Two people helps.

 

No way am I going to get someone to help. I gotta do it myself or hire someone. I'll get it.. just looking to see if someone found a easy way to get er done.

 

Easiest way is to just remove an engine mount and jack up the drivetrain. I did it in 5 minutes with two people without removing the engine mount by rotating it forward.

 

Got it out ... lifted it as far as I could then used a pry bar and applied some up press at the rear mount. Once that stud cleared the hole it went fairly easy. Getting it back in has been a whole new ball game. I actually had that rear mount stud in the hole real soon but when I applied some pressure to lift the transmission a bit and get that bolt to go deeper in that hole... well. didn't work. it slipped and all came apart. Haven't been able to get it back in right position since. I'll get it just may take a couple weeks..lol.

 

Sounds sexual

 

Maybe it sounds like it but it isn't near as much fun.