Swap out front diff with trans in car?

[GST with PSI]

I currently have a welded front diff in my Galant VR4 and absolutely hate it. It has ruined the drivability of the car. Even pulling out of my driveway, the axles are popping and bitching the entire time. I have a stock diff I can swap in, but didn't want to deal with pulling the trans for a while seeing as I just got the car back on the road after a 10 month build.

I've heard a few guys here reference swapping out the diff with the trans in the car. I'm wondering if someone could chime in and tell me how it was. If it's more of a pain than pulling the trans, I just want a heads up before I go doing something off the wall. I'll pull the trans if need be, but wanted some input on other options if they exist. Thanks in advance.

 

[bryanwheat]

For the front diff the case has to be split. The case will hit the subframe far before it comes off the trans. Just go ahead and pull the trans if you want to swap the front diff. If you are talking about the center diff than you can get it out with the trans in the car.

 

[GRNDSM]

Are you sure you have welded FRONT diff? Very few people do it and only on very serious drag cars. How would you end up with such a radical mod?

But I agree with Bryan, take out the tranny if it is, in fact, a front diff. Even if you could take it apart on the car, it will be a MAJOR PITA! And you will have to remove 95% of parts anyway

If it a center diff (more likely), it definitely can be done on the car.

 

[GST with PSI]

Sorry, guys. I meant to say center diff.

 

[GRNDSM]

That is OK, we both figured that is what you actually meant .

Funny how people's opinion of welded diff varies. There are people who love them on daily cars, while other (myself included) can't stand them.

 

[GST with PSI]

Thanks, gents. So, should I just pull the trans, or is this something that would be fairly easy to do in the car?

 

[pauleyman]

Fairly easy is highly subjective.

 

[GRNDSM]

There is nothing that prevents you from going it on the car, other than more aquard access to things. But everything is just as accessible, it is just easier to do it on the bench. I have done numerous swaps on the car and would not even consider removing the tranny to do this job.

 

[pauleyman]

Leon I agree. However for the first time im not sure I concur. Bearing clearance changes etc. if I had never opened a tranny before I would do it on a bench.

 

[GRNDSM]

I hear you, Paul. But... I have swapped 20-30 center diffs going to the 90's and never checked the clearances. I know it isn't ideal, but... That is my personal experience....

 

[pauleyman]

To each his own. im also not a fan of mixing bearings and races and if I recall the lower race doesnt just slip out, or is it the front diff shaft, been quite awhile since ive torn one apart.

 

[GST with PSI]

Well, I removed the center diff from my spare transmission this weekend. It was fairly simple, but I'm not sure it's something I would want to do in the car.

The biggest issue I had was removing the gear pictured center (not the gear with the hub/slider):

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

It is too close to the case to get a puller under it. There is a groove around the top portion of the gear, which I'm sure is made to insert a special puller into. The thing is, I don't have that puller. I ended up using a few wood wedges to get it off. It wouldn't be very easy to do at all if the trans would have been in the car. The gear isn't pressed on, but it fits pretty snug on the shaft. Anyone know the trick to getting this thing off?

Also, I read in a few places you should shift the trans into a specific gear before removing. Anyone know what gear? I just followed this, and everything seemed to come apart just fine once I got the one gear off: http://www.dsmtalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227809

 

[GRNDSM]

Sometimes (about 50/50) that gear slips right off! So you could get lucky

I often move my 5th gear in and out to get the best clearance for the disassembly.