j30 vlsd install in s14 - Tips?

[devonkyle77]

first of all, i did search zilvia and google. didnt get the answers im looking for.
i live in a cold climate this time of year, with limited working time in daylight due to my work schedule. yes, thats right, i have to work on it outside, no garage. which is why i need this install to go as fast and smooth as possible.
i took a quick look a little bit ago to get an idea what i will need.
i noticed on the diff cover, the 2 back bolts (19mm) are impossible to get to with a 1/2 inch drive ratchet. what are you guys using to get those out?
i also noticed that half of the 6 12mm nuts on each side of the output shafts are hard to get at it. what are you guys doing to get these?

basically, if you could just outline what tools i need, and an order of what to do so i can do this as quickly and efficiently as possible, I would greatly appreciate it.
thanks in advance.

[diomedes]

I used a 1/2 inch ratchet with an extension and the 3/4 inch (19mm) deep socket to get the 3/4 inch nuts on the rear cover out.

Two (2) Open/Close ended ratchet wrench to get the 6 12mm nuts out on the output shafts.

Get a little WD-40 on it as will.

[devonkyle77]

also how involved is it taking the output shafts off once the 6 bolts are removed holding it to the diff?

[orion::S14]

Short 19mm socket for the rear bolts, 3/8" drive...b/c it's thinner. Better have a LONG ratchet handle, for leverage.

For the 6 12mm bolts at the output shafts...a ratcheting wrench ("Gear Wrench" or the like) really helps.

Fill the diff with oil first, when it's out of the car.

As you remove the old one, don;t forget the vent (rubber hose on top)...and connect that FIRST THING when you start to put the new one in place.

If you remove the rear sway bar, you can basically drop it right out using a floor jack...otherwise, the nose of the diff gets hung up on the sway bar.

Basically...unbolt the 12 output shafts bolts...unbolt the 4 mounting bolts (2 rear, 2 on the snout)...then put the jack under it, and slide it forward a little. Drop it straight down, if the sway bar is off.

Have fun!

- Brian

[devonkyle77]

can the 36mm axle nuts be taken off without an impact wrench? i dont have one, and my car is nowhere near electricity, lol.

[projectRDM]

Have someone hold the brake pedal, then use a large breaker bar. If the calipers are decent they'll hold the rotor/hub from turning.

[DJ_Sunrise]

Leave the axles in. To get the 6 x2 nuts/bolts off the axles/diff, do two on each side, at a time with the ebrake locked while the car is in the air. Relase ebrake, rotate wheels to get to other nuts/bolts, lock the ebrake. remove. repeat. you will have to do the same when re installing.. locking releasing the ebrake that is. Like I said.. leave the axles in. take the sway bar out.. or you can atleast unbolt the two d brackets to let it hang lower so the diff doesnt hang on it.

-Bart

[projectRDM]

Shit, I didn't even notice that. Why are we removing the axles? No need. You can also pull the 2x6 bolts off the inner ends with two 12mm box end wrenches, even without the brakes.

[devonkyle77]

my j30 diff is 5 bolt, not 6 bolt, so i have to use those axles.

[projectRDM]

Ah, then go for it. Hit it with some WD or PB for good measure, but unless you're a complete puss you should be fine with breaking them loose.

[chituntang]

I did it. It took about 5hours as I had a hard time fitting the diff back in for not taking off the sway bar. But it is not hard at all to remove the bolts on the output shaft. Lift your car up, do the bolts on the bottom first, then rotate your tire to get the others. Make sure ebrake is on when bolt/unbolt and off during rotate.

[916S14]

i suggest you take the extra time to take the sway bar off it will make your life much easier so you wont have to spend 5 hours like that guy^. did mine in about 2 on a good day. Have fun.

[Ragnarok043]

can the 36mm axle nuts be taken off without an impact wrench? i dont have one, and my car is nowhere near electricity, lol.

easier all you need is a floor jack, a 36mm socket, and a 1/2" breaker bar. after youve removed the cotter pin, position the socket/breaker bar below 3 o'clock. then position one hand over the socket to prevent it from slipping and start jacking up the end of the breaker bar slowly. the force of the compressed strut will break the nut loose.