Detroit,
Rears aren't that hard to work with. HEAVY !!! Anyway, the best and safest way to remove the differential is to remove the bolts on the inside of the axle.(Opposite of the cover or back). If you have a cover,remove the cover this gives you some more light on the subject. We like to use a transmission jack to pull them out. Leave two bolts in up top. Place the trans jack underneath and secure down with the chains. Once secure, remove two bolts and pull her out. We see broken axles here at the shop all the time. It usually happens when the driver pops the clutch or rolls back on an incline and pops the clutch. You do want to remove the pumpkin(hogshead). If any metal got lodged or stuck you can then remove them. Also, you want to clean out the housing. To re-install, reverse process. Hogshead, axles, etc... Any questions, just fire me an e-mail or give me a call 410-939-4433.
Jason
