Questions & Help needed on front diff/carrier removal

[Brad S.]

Need to pull my front carrier, again, to fix a oil leak.
Few years ago I tried fixing this leak but messed up the RTV putting it back in. (Before the OB)
Did some reading, seems like letting the drivers side droop might work.
Have a Dana 50 and the problem is the passenger side axle housing keeps the carrier from coming out straight. Here's the problem area.

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Here's a look at the front and the end of the drivers side housing.
I'm thinking take this bolt out, let it droop to get the carrier out???

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Thanks for any help, I'm sure some of the OBer's have done this a time or two.

 

[89Laredo]

I just did mine a couple days ago. Supported frame, undid drivers side ubolts and let the arm drop.

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[riotwarrior]

Don't forget to drill a drain plug hole in the cast housing tap it and install a nice drain plug...

Just saying...now's the time!

 

[Brad S.]

Thanks Al that's a very good point about a drain plug.

89Laredo, should I be concerned about front end alignment problems if I don't get the axle housing exactly
where it was before on the spring????
When I looked at the entire area/project, loosening the front springs occured to me, but alignment questions came to mind.
Could I just unhook the drivers side leaf spring & still connected to the drivers side axle housing to maintain alignment????

 

[89Laredo]

I dont think itll affect anything. There is a large pin in the leaf springs that locate the axle, I had to fight with mine a little to get it lined back up. Your alignment is a function of the tie rod and knuckle/balljoints.

 

[89Laredo]

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[Brad S.]

Does the drain hole need to be a certain size????

 

[89Laredo]

Don't think it matters, I did 1/4"