A little help please, IRS Diff Removal

[Maui coupe]

Aloha everyone , My Diff has developed a leak at one of the axle seals after a total of 300 miles since install, some of you may remember my complaints about lots of clunking between driving and coasting. don't know if its related but its time to pull it out and let someone have a look. I assume removal is the reverse of install but if anyone can give me tips as to the easiest procedures and "watch out fors" it would be appreciated. Thanks, Karl

[CraigS]

Just watch out for the diff. As you know it's pretty heavy. If it starts to fall it may be best to let it go.

[GoDadGo]

I remember seeing one of the guys post something about the jack shown below:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwb-620622?seid=srese1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjIChk-3d5wIVBl8NCh2ZewnrEAkYBiABEgJlvfD_BwE

This unit might be a big help to keep you from dropping that pumpkin on your pinkies.

[CraigS]

Why didn't I think of this yesterday? Why pull the diff for an axle seal? I don't think there is any need to. Pull the one axle and lever the seal out.

[Maui coupe]

Craig, Good thought but I also want the backlash checked, i think its excessive. I'm also having a hard time getting the axles out any tips there? bigger hammer? my prybar wont fit the gap between the diff and the cv joint. off to buy another tool I guess.

[CraigS]

Yep, bigger hammer. I usually use a 15 inch long rod or pry bar so I can get an angle that is as parallel to the axle as possible. It also it helps keep my hammer away from the diff case when I inevitably miss. Hammer is a 3-4# sledge about like this except mine is old enough it's on it's second wood handle.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-4-lb-Forged-Steel-Sledge-Hammer-with-14-in-Fiberglass-Handle/50041776?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-tol-_-bing-_-pla-_-217-_-hammersprybarsandcoldchisels-_-50041776-_-0&kpid&placeholder=null&msclkid=199f64c10f011f9d88c33a8ec9333afd&gclid=CKms86PM4ucCFUCOxQIdBwoAAQ&gclsrc=ds