Front Differential Removal

[azswede1960]

The truck has some severe grinding in 4wd when turning, magnet has A LOT of metal on it, so I got a used one from a truck parts yard .... now comes the fun part:

 

I removed the 4 bolts that hold it to the truck, the wire harness connector and breather tube ..... the 6 bolts that hold it to each wheel (had one missing bolt on one side that pisses me off, since I got truck new and never have had these off)

 

after all that, it come loose, but I cannot turn it enough to get it out, going one way, the top bold holder lodges against the steering bar, trying to go the other way the top bolt holder comes against the bolt install bracket, maybe a little past, but not enough to get the drive shaft yoke clear so that it can come out.

 

I have looked at the manual and it says that it should turn forward and down with the bottom bolt still in, but that didn't work ....

 

SOMEONE tell me what I need to do (besides that it to a tranny shop that will probably have it replaced in 30 minutes)

 

2003 Chevy Silverado Z71

 

UPDATE: ok so I am a part time idiot .... NEED TO REMOVE steering linkage, and don't have those called for tools:

 

J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller

J 29139 Steering Linkage Installer (12mm)

J 29194 Steering Linkage Installer (14mm)

 

Does anyone know where I can get those & about how much $$$ ??? Just as well now that I know how to get it all out once I have the bar out of the way ......