Looking at getting a 4.11 LSD diff from a forester and on my '97 Outback I assume it has male axles? And how do I remove these bolts? and the weight is around 60 lbs?

 

I think all the rear diffs have male axles after 95.

 

I'd guess its closer to 40lbs, but still not easy to lift up into position if you're laying under the car.

 

The bolts on the back are just studs with a nut on the end. Remove the nut and slide the diff forward to slide the studs out of the bushings. Sometimes the whole thing comes out (bad on some models since you can't get it out because the floor pan is in the way).

I think all the rear diffs have male axles after 95.

 

I'd guess its closer to 40lbs, but still not easy to lift up into position if you're laying under the car.

 

The bolts on the back are just studs with a nut on the end. Remove the nut and slide the diff forward to slide the studs out of the bushings. Sometimes the whole thing comes out (bad on some models since you can't get it out because the floor pan is in the way).

You see the rust on those bolts.. no way in the world they are coming off with the correct size socket... that's really my only concern. Also I have a transmission jack so getting the diff up or down is not a issue.

I've seen worse. Most of the time you can't get to those with a socket anyway, have to use a box end wrench.

Soak them with your favorite flavor of penetrating oil for a few hours beforehand.

 

It'll be harder getting the rear suspension undone so you can pull the axles out than it will be to get those two nuts. I know there are some guards under the inner axle cups, I don't remember if they are easy to remove. Perhaps you can remove those and lower the diff and slide the axles out at the same time.

Edited September 30, 201312 yr by Fairtax4me

Just thinking about it I have some bolt extractor sockets.. what size are the nuts? I can try hitting it with some Kroil.

Weighed one of the old school 3.70 lsd units when I was selling it a few months back, 65lbs wet. not the heaviest thing in the world but definitely awkward to deal with on your back.

if they're too rusted and it's a parts car i just torch the bushing out. makes me feel better about that stupid ($)*!$)&UT)*$!!!!  rust when i get to torch it too!

Looking at that pic, that's under your outback isn't it?

 

If I'm not mistaken the diff mount nuts and bolts will all be 17mm, and the driveshaft to flange are 12mm. If those back ones don't play fair you could always try a trusty old pipe wrench on them. And lots and lots of pb blast or kroil.

Looking at that pic, that's under your outback isn't it?

 

If I'm not mistaken the diff mount nuts and bolts will all be 17mm, and the driveshaft to flange are 12mm. If those back ones don't play fair you could always try a trusty old pipe wrench on them. And lots and lots of pb blast or kroil.

Yes it's the underside of my outback I think my irwin bolt-grip 11/16" socket is about 17mm