97z28k&N

Do you need to move the sway bar in order to remove the bottom bolts of the differential cover?

-Thanks

shoebox

No. Depending on how you have the car jacked up, the position of the bar will change and allow you access (if it is even in the way).

97z28k&N

So how will it be if I back the car onto steel ramps?

Rij1

The same way as it sits all the time. the axel has to move away from the body of the car for the sway bar to move its self.

97z28k&N

Should I not even worry about the sway bar then?

Rij1

No. If you have a jack & jack stands or even block of wood use them. raise the rear end place your j stands then use the jack to move the differential up and down.

97z28k&N

So to simply, I should have no complications with my ramps? Those are all I have.

Rij1

Try to use them and see if you can use a box wrench to get the last bolts out. You dont have a jack in the trunck?

Injuneer

Try it. If you find the sway bar is in the way, its simply a matter of loosening the two U-bolts that hold the sway bar mounts to the axle housing. Or undo the end links and raise the ends of the bar to pivot the bar downwards, away from the cover.

I watched a guy in a shop pull the entire differential out of my rear axle assembly without touching the sway bar..... but that was a 12-bolt, so the clearances may have been different.

97z28k&N

Thanks! I ordered a new Dorman differential cover with a gasket, would you recommend me still use sealant on the casing when I bolt it back up?