Aligning differential and subframe
 

Hi guys,

Is there an easy way to align the diff and the subframe to get all the studs to line up with the subframe?

Thanks

I do not know that..
but the bigger question is how to align it with the rest of the car... and I know there is a huge section in one of the two Chassis Manuals..... very important to handling and tire wear....

Oh bugger I thought this was all done and dusted.

Are you trying to get the differential (with the axles fitted) to mate with the subframe?

Exactly it my friend. I though the hard part would be over but getting it to line up has been a challenge.

Oh for the love of $$#%$%#^ !

Have you got four studs fitted to the differential or have the studs come out with the nuts?

With four studs in the differential casing I'm kind of hoping you've got a chance of pushing the studs through the subframe holes.

One stud came off. So you would think it would be simple to align it.

I've jacked the subrame as high as it will go and still can't get them to align. Maybe I need to take a break

If you think you might need a break..... you need a break....
tired or frustrated around cars makes for accidents...

Initially, I had the same problem when I replaced the differential. What worked for me was to tilt the differential, on the jack, where the mount studs all entered the subframe at the same time.

It would not work, with any amount of prying, to start two at a time and try to lift it in place. The spacing of the mount holes is just too tight for this, as you are finding out.

Got it. Did you use 2 jacks at the same time or just muscled it in? any details on that?

Thanks Sam

I used a single jack with a strap and various items to wedge it to obtain the correct angle. With this setup, I raised it delicately into place with one hand on the differential and one on the jack. Once I achieved the simultaneous entrance of the four studs into the subframe, it slipped right into place.

I've always wondered if a transmission jack might be beneficial for this task.

I made a little angle plate that bolts onto the floor jack in place of the pad and then bolts to the two lower bolts securing the door. Just an piece of angle and some welding. Makes any work with the differential real easy including raising the dif into the four top bolt holes. Great for lowering the dif to get the axles to go into the wheel hub as well.

Great info guys.

Thanks!

I had the same issue just putting the Differential itself back in the Subframe. I don't know how many Hours I spent on it but I finally got it in.

I believe once you remove the Differential years of stress cause the Subframe to change shape; making it hard to get the Differential back in.

I don't know how I resisted the idea of enlarging the Holes but I did.

It would be nice if the Studs had pointed ends on them.

I did the job with a Floor Jack and a Sicssors Jack. I think if I had the Transmission Jack I bought recentely the job would have been a little easier.

I wonder what I'm doing that makes it so easy for me... I've never had issues with them.

are you guys dropping the subframe? or just lowering it, and trying to attach the diff with everything still attached?

Lowering the diff while the subframe is still attached.

I'm sure removing the subframe would make things so much easier...