Changing the rear differential

[BaddKity]

Can anyone tell me the process of swapping the rear from the 2.62 to 3.09. I understand the disconnect of driveshaft, remove exhaust but never did a IRS so axles or any other things I may have to deal with.

 

[PurpleCat16]

A transmission jack and some blocks of wood will make things much easier on you. After you remove the mounting bolts lower the differential and use a prybar to disengage the axles from the differential. Also it will be much easier the remove and install the driveshaft if you have someone in the car to set and release the parking brake when loosening and tightening the bolts.

 

[BULL]

^^^^^

Generally agree


(Also fixed thread title)

 

[JP426]

Be careful removing and installing the axles in the diff, don't want to damage the seals in the differential.

 

[Alain]

A transmission jack and some blocks of wood will make things much easier on you. After you remove the mounting bolts lower the differential and use a prybar to disengage the axles from the differential. Also it will be much easier the remove and install the driveshaft if you have someone in the car to set and release the parking brake when loosening and tightening the bolts.

Pry bar is the best way to remove the axles? I know there are seals to worry about there. Isn't there a special tool needed to do this?

Removing the axles is the only thing that stopped me from doing this upgrade to my 2016 two years ago.

 

[BULL]

Pry bar is the best way to remove the axles? I know there are seals to worry about there. Isn't there a special tool needed to do this?

Removing the axles is the only thing that stopped me from doing this upgrade to my 2016 two years ago.

I used two of these (not this exact set, this is just an example)



https://www.amazon.com/4-Piece-Mechanic-Dicfeos-Thicker-Strike/dp/B07BKVWXWQ

 

[BULL]

One on each side of the axle hub, in between the hub and the differential housing, set each one, and slightly back them off without loosing position and give them a quick "pop".

Axles come right out.

 

[Alain]

OP, I just saw you asked the same question on the old forum. Someone posted a great write up over there, i'll post the link here for anyone that comes looking for similar info on this forum.

https://www.hellcat.org/threads/rearend-diff-change.244475/

Go to post #6 for the link to the write up.

I used two of these (not this exact set, this is just an example)



https://www.amazon.com/4-Piece-Mechanic-Dicfeos-Thicker-Strike/dp/B07BKVWXWQ

I bought a set of pry bars (not this exact set) for prying the super charger off the motor when I installed my FI spacers in march. Thank you for the link Bull.

One on each side of the axle hub, in between the hub and the differential housing, set each one, and slightly back them off without loosing position and give them a quick "pop".

Axles come right out.

When you say "one on each side of the axle hub" it's a little confusing to me. i'm assuming you mean place the pry bar between the axle housing and the differential housing and carefully pry them apart.

 

[BULL]

When you say "one on each side of the axle hub" it's a little confusing to me. i'm assuming you mean place the pry bar between the axle housing and the differential housing and carefully pry them apart.

Yes, but use two prybars at the same time.

So one on either side so you're prying evenly.

It doesn't take a ton of force, it's more of a quick popping action.

 

[Alain]

Yes, but use two prybars at the same time.

So one on either side so you're prying evenly.

It doesn't take a ton of force, it's more of a quick popping action.

I see what you mean !!!
Pry both axles at the same time !!

Thank you Bull. You guys just cost me another $800 bucks !!! (buying a new 3.90 Diff) hahaha

 

[BULL]

Pry both axles at the same time !!

Sorry, no

So for the Driver's side axle, on one side of the pumpkin, place two prybars, one on the front half of the axle, and one on the rear half of the axle, pop that side axle out, then go to the other side (passenger).

Does that make more sense?

 

[Alain]

Yes, but use two prybars at the same time.

So one on either side so you're prying evenly.

It doesn't take a ton of force, it's more of a quick popping action.

One last question Bull, how did you torque the differential to subframe bolts?

I know there is barely room to get a box-end wrench in there. I know a socket and a torque wrench are not going to fit. Any tips?

 

[BULL]

I'll also try to post up a picture of the plywood cradle I made that will help bunches too.

 

[BULL]

One last question Bull, how did you torque the differential to subframe bolts?

I know there is barely room to get a box-end wrench in there. I know a socket and a torque wrench are not going to fit. Any tips?

I had to grind a wrench, then just good judgement.

 

[Alain]

Sorry, no

So for the Driver's side axle, on one side of the pumpkin, place two prybars, one on the front half of the axle, and one on the rear half of the axle, pop that side axle out, then go to the other side (passenger).

Does that make more sense?

I put up a picture here Bull if you don’t mind draw two arrows to where you are saying to place the pry bars.

thank you sir.
the write up I linked suggests To only use on pry bar. It sounds like your method is a little more efficient/safer.

 

[BULL]

One one the front side, one on the rear, so one one either side of the axle.

 

[Mean Cat]

I popped out 1 axle at a time so there's more room to push the diff the other direction to get the axle out easier, then do the other side. For reinstalling the axles, pop in one side at a time also, pushing the diff one way or another to line up axle & pop it in.

I have a 8"w x 10"L channel iron piece that bolts to my floor jack, for lowering & raising the diff. , place some rags or towel to protect the diff & from sliding.

I bought a 21mm ratchet wrench for the back horizonal diff bolts, made it sooo much faster & easier. With the DS & front diff bolts out first, as you loosen the back bolts you can keep pushing the diff forward to get the rear bolts all the way out, of course supported by a floor jack the whole time.

 

[Mean Cat]

One last question Bull, how did you torque the differential to subframe bolts?

I know there is barely room to get a box-end wrench in there. I know a socket and a torque wrench are not going to fit. Any tips?

21mm ratchet wrench, will help a lot, for reinstalling just tighten it about as tight as you can without going too crazy.

 

[Alain]

One one the front side, one on the rear, so one one either side of the axle.

View attachment 32053

NOW I GET IT !!!!! I am prying on ONE AXLE at a time, BUT using two pry bars at the same time on that axle to be able to pry out evenly!
Thank you sir, I’m on a third midnight shift at work and haven’t gotten very much sleep the last two days.......I’m a little tired Lolol.

21mm ratchet wrench, will help a lot, for reinstalling just tighten it about as tight as you can without going too crazy.

roger that Mean cat. Let’s see if I can get lucky and find a deal on a new 3.90 diff for the holidays.

 

[Mean Cat]

NOW I GET IT !!!!! I am prying on ONE AXLE at a time, BUT using two pry bars at the same time on that axle to be able to pry out evenly!
Thank you sir, I’m on a third midnight shift at work and haven’t gotten very much sleep the last two days.......I’m a little tired Lolol.





roger that Mean cat. Let’s see if I can get lucky and find a deal on a new 3.90 diff for the holidays.

Are you doing 3.90 or did you mean 3.09 ?....3.90 will be way too low.