Front Diff. Installation

[Lynn D. Brown]

Guys who have had their truck completely apart :

I just Test-Fit the Front Diff with the engine out. It's still not easy. I'm still trying to figure out what to install in what order - i.e. what interferes w what. The only thing I have installed in the Front is the ZQ8 Steering Box. I think I've dropped my plan to install my Engine and Trans together.

Here's the way it appears to me now - See if U guys agree :

1.) I couldn't get the Front Diff./Short Inner Axle combo to slide into it's mount brackets w the outer axles in the way. I had to disconnect the shocks and push the outer axles forward out of the way.

2.) The 2 outer Front Axles would Not push forward with the Frt Susp. Centerlink and Tie rods in the way. Fortunately I hadn't tightened the Steering linkage - so I could remove them. Then the Outer Axles would move forward.

3.) With all tis done, I can get the Front Diff. to pop into it's brackets. Then I was able to force in the Long Inner Axle (Pass. side).

Seeing as how I had to do all this, I'm wondering how guys ever got the Front Diff. in or out w the Engine, Centerlink and Outer Axles in the way ?

 

[KBowman]

I dont think you can. you HAVE to:
Take the centerlink loose at the pitman arm and the idler arm and push it as far foward as possible. Move the axels out of the way.
Put the diff in last after the motor and tranny.
It does not look like it will go but it will if done right. The trick is to put the flange end that connects to the front propshaft up in and over from the bottom first and then come down. It wont go straight up from the bottom.