Removing front differential

[roycet4]

Sorry as this might have been covered here before.

I am replacing (at least) the two outer front axle u-joints and was debating whether to replace the inner u-joint too while I have the frontend disassembled. I know i need to unbolt the differential from the axle housing but when I looked at the rear of the carrier I see this long bolt on the left side that kind of looks like the differential is "clipped" into. Do I have to remove this bolt or at least loosen it? If so, it looks like a pain, see the links below for pictures.

http://www.pbase.com/roycet4/image/117077779

http://www.pbase.com/roycet4/image/117077782

The outer u-joints are SO rusted I will be taking them to a parts store/machine shop to get them replaced. Also found that one of the spindles was missing the inner grease seal when the needle bearing are..

Thanks
Royce

 

[BlackBII]

That is a pinch bolt, and yes it needs to be removed.

It can be done without unbolting the radius arm, but it's tricky.

 

[4x4junkie]

Grind the bolt head into a "D" shape, you should then be able to just wiggle it past the radius arm. Reinstall it from below rather than above (a bit more room that way).