Rear Differential Carrier Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Toyota RAV4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

DRAIN DIFFERENTIAL OIL
REMOVE REAR WHEEL
REMOVE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY
1. Remove the fuel tank for 2AZ-FE (see REMOVAL ).
2. Remove the fuel tank for 2GR-FE (see REMOVAL ).
REMOVE TAILPIPE ASSEMBLY
1. Remove the tailpipe (see EXHAUST PIPE (2AZ-FE) or EXHAUST PIPE (2GR-FE) ).
REMOVE CENTER EXHAUST PIPE ASSEMBLY
1. Remove the center pipe (see EXHAUST PIPE (2AZ-FE) or EXHAUST PIPE (2GR-FE) ).
REMOVE PROPELLER WITH CENTER BEARING SHAFT ASSEMBLY (See REMOVAL )
REMOVE REAR SUSPENSION MEMBER BRACE LH
1. Remove the 2 bolts and brace from the suspension member.
REMOVE REAR SUSPENSION MEMBER BRACE RH
HINT:

Use the same procedures described for the LH side.

Fig 1: Locating Rear Suspension Member Brace Bolts
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
REMOVE REAR DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER SUB-ASSEMBLY
1. Disconnect the harness clamp.
2. Remove the breather tube.
3. Disconnect the connector.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Rear Differential Carrier Sub-Assembly
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. Support the rear differential carrier with a transmission jack or equivalent.
5. Fix the nuts in place and remove the 2 bolts A and bolt B.
  NOTE: Do not loosen the nuts. Loosen the bolts.
  
  Fig 3: Locating Rear Differential Carrier Bolts
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
6. Slowly lower the jack and then tilt the rear differential carrier.
  
  Fig 4: Identifying Rear Differential Carrier
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
7. Set the tip of the tire lever to the position on the rear drive shaft inboard joint shown in the illustration. Then, using the ribbed part of the rear differential carrier as a fulcrum, disconnect the left and right rear drive shafts.
  NOTE: Do not scratch the rear drive shaft dust cover.
  
  Fig 5: Setting Tip Of Tire Lever To Position On Rear Drive Shaft Inboard Joint
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
REMOVE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NO. 1 AND NO. 2 SUPPORT
1. Remove the 4 bolts and differential No. 1 and No. 2 supports from the differential carrier.
  
  Fig 6: Locating Rear Differential Support Bolts
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
REMOVE REAR DIFFERENTIAL SUPPORT
1. Remove the 4 bolts and differential support from the differential carrier.