Front Differential Dismounting and Remounting: Dismounting

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

Lift up vehicle and drain oil.
Disconnect air hose and breather hose from differential housing.
Before removing propeller shaft, give match marks (1) on joint flange and propeller shaft as shown.
Remove propeller shaft flange by removing its 4 bolts and suspend it with cord or the like.
NOTE: If pull out propeller shaft, transfer oil must be drained before pulling out.

Fig 1: Removing Propeller Shaft Flange By Removing Bolts
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove 3 mounting bracket bolts (1) for left mounting bracket and 3 flange bolts and nuts (2) for drive shaft flange to set left side of differential free.

Fig 2: Removing Mounting Bracket Bolts For Left Mounting Bracket
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
[For J20 engine model]
Remove 2 bolts (1) from cross member to set differential rear mounting free.

Fig 3: Removing Bolts From Cross Member To Set Differential Rear Mounting Free
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.

[For H25 engine model]

Remove bolts (1, 2) and rear mounting bracket (3) and then remove bolts (4) and rear mounting bracket No. 2 (5).

Fig 4: Removing Bolts & Rear Mounting Bracket
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
With differential housing assembly held with transmission jack, remove mounting bracket bolts (1) on right end of housing (3).

Fig 5: Removing Mounting Bracket Bolts On Right End Of Housing
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Using 2 large screwdrivers (4) as levers, pull out right side drive shaft joint (1) from differential and dismount differential housing assembly (2) from vehicle.
CAUTION: During above work, use care not to cause damage to drive shaft boot.

Fig 6: Pulling Out Right Side Drive Shaft Joint From Differential
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.