[Jim Vander Wal]

This is from memory, did it back in 2005.

Disconnect the drive shaft.

Pull the top bolts on the spindles. Pivot these outward. During this process you'll need to pry the inner CV axles out of the diff case. Big screwdrivers seemed to work well. Just get them out of the way.

Don't stretch out the boots too much, they are the only thing holding the CV assemblies together.

Unbolt the 4 (?) bolts holding the diff case in place. They are obvious and not hidden. It will start to drop during this process. Support it somehow while you're unbolting and lowering it. Weighs 80-100 pounds.

You're done. It's easy on the Ford 8.8 IRS units. The newer Dana units are problem.

FYI, in 55,000 miles I never broke a 28 spline axle. Tore boots, trashed CVs, wore out tires and brakes, sucked up a lot of gas, got real wet many times, went fast, went quick but never broke an axle. About the only ones I know of that broke were drag racers running slicks. The 31 spline system is a good upgrade, I just don't know if it's necessary.

Jim