Yes,it is true,you do not have to remove the carrier assy from the vehicle. I really did not want to drain my diff and pull the axles..and the more I looked at it the more I thought..if I could get the old bushings out...I may be all set. Well,it was much easier than I thought. Remove the transmission to diff brace,(or one end at least) remove driveshaft (might not even have to do that..) Support carrier assy with jack..loosen the two main 17mm nuts and 4 12mm nuts,and lower the diff off the mounting studs that hold it to the body.There is plenty of axle travel to allow this.You just need it low enough to get the new bushings on.About 3" below the studs should be fine..
Next,take your air hammer with a flat punch and drive the old bushings out the top..you could use a punch and hammer if you have no air power..
old bushing removed...
Now we must "burn" the old rubber mounts off the steel retainer plates as they are needed to hold the new bushings..
heat the center till the rubber cooks..best to do in a ventilated area..
cookin!!
One side done..
Do the other side..
Finished product...
unless you like things neat and tidy: I bead blasted and painted mine..does not really matter as no one will ever see them..
Next,add spooge grease to aluminum mount bore...
a little more spooge grease to the bushing...I reccomend gloves...
press the new bushings in from the top...easily done with hand pressure...
Fully seated...
Jack the diff back onto the mounting studs..don't forget the new steel spacers..
now install the lower new bushings...
Add the retainer plate and nuts..
Done!!
Not as difficult as I was led to believe,and I see no reason to drop the control arms and pull the axles...
Enjoy!!!
