Front Differential Dismounting & Remounting: Dismounting

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Suzuki XL-7 and 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Lift up vehicle and drain oil.
Disconnect axle lock actuator motor connector and breather hose.
Before removing propeller shaft, give match marks (1) on universal joint flange and propeller shaft as shown in the figure.
Remove propeller shaft flange by removing its 4 bolts and suspend it with cord or the like.
NOTE: If pulling out propeller shaft, transfer oil must be drained before pulling out the shaft.

Fig 1: Marking Universal Joint Flange & Propeller Shaft
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove bolts (1) for front mounting bracket L and bolts and nuts (2) for front drive shaft flange to set left side of differential free.

Fig 2: Removing Bolts For Front Mounting Bracket L & Bolts & Nuts For Front Drive Shaft Flange
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove bolts (1) and rear mounting bracket (2).
Remove bolts (3) and rear mounting bracket No. 2 (4).

Fig 3: Removing Rear Mounting Bracket & Rear Mounting Bracket No. 2
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
With differential housing assembly held with transmission jack, remove front mounting bracket R bolt (1).

Fig 4: Removing Front Mounting Bracket R Bolt
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Using 2 large flat end rods (4) as levers, pull out right side drive shaft joint (1) from differential (2). Then, dismount housing assembly from vehicle.
CAUTION: During above work, use care not to damage drive shaft boot.

Fig 5: Pulling Out Right Side Drive Shaft Joint From Differential
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.