Front diff removal: is it a nightmare?

Moved the truck this am to go to work and saw a good size oil spot under the front of my tacoma. First time I've had a drop leak from this truck. Made sure the filter was tight so I know it's not that. Some of the bolt heads holding on the oil pan along the drivers side had drops on them so I'm suspecting my oil pan gasket is leaking.

In order to drop the pan I noticed my pumpkin is in the way. Is it a nightmare to get that pan out? Any DIY on removing the front axle housing/diff? If the truck wasn't paid off I'd consider getting rid of it. Thanks guys.

 

I would like to know this as well. My oil pan gasket seems to be leaking also. Not dripping yet, but it's wet around the outside.

 

I should add that I also checked the valve cover gasket on both sides to make sure it wasn't that dripping down to lower part of the engine.

 

not too bad to do. I (luckily) had access to a lift. Was doing rear main seal, figured i'd do oil pan seal as well. Probably did it the wrong way but it seemed the easiest to me. it also helped to have tranny out but you wont be doing that.
Anyways: had truck in air, unbolted front diff and pulled it down as much as possible, removed front driveshaft, then unbolted oil pan and oil pickup, then managed to snake the pan out. i didnt want to pull axles cause i have manual front hubs. it worked.
no more leaks.

 

That doesn't sound bad at all! How many bolts hold the diff in place? Do you need an alignment after messing with the front diff(sorry if that's a dumb question)? About how many hours? I don't have help so I'll be going at it alone.

I may end up PM'ing you on the rear main seal replacement as I only want to do this once haha

 

diff only has 3 bots holding it up.

gotta take the skids off.

Id just pull the axles, Isn't hard to do. You could use the oprotunity to put new gear oil in.

Once the CVs are pulled whole thing will come right out after the drive shaft is unbolted.

 

Thanks blackdawg. Once the cv's are popped out, is that C-clip on the diff end toast or can I just pop the cv back in no problem when I reinstall?

 

Just pop it back in. Shouldn't be an issue.

 

Much appreciated blackdawg

 

just don't ding the diff seals at each end of the diff where the cv's click in. Also that thing is a bit off balance so be ready for it.

 

My plan was to put a floor jack under the pumpkin and use that to support as I lower and move the front diff. Then when it's out of the way enough I was going to use a couple jack stands on the axle tube to hold it while I do repairs.

 

Good news is I MIGHT not have to drop the pan.

Bad news is it could be the rear main seal. The leak seemingly stopped as there was no new oil this morning under my truck. Well when I went to lunch today there was a half-dollar size spot. Crawled under again and I could see a drop of oil hanging off the front of the bell housing.

The fun never ends!!

 

Not sure about first gens but 2nd gens isn't too bad if you have another set of hands (I managed by myself). Just remember to get new diff oil when you pull the CVs out.

 

yeah my rear main has been leaking since i got my truck. doesnt drip any oil, but the whole back half of the pan is wet