So like it says.
I want to switch to 4.56's for towing. I never go off road. Never really use my 4wd. I can't afford to change both diffs right now. Is it ok to change the rear now, and simply remove the front diff until I save the scratch to do it too? And drive it like that? Likely for most of the coming summer.

Is it just a matter of removing front drive shaft, remove diff, remove front axles? I assume the front stubs need to stay bolted in the hubs if it's like the front wheel drive cars I've had.

 

It would be much simpler to just remove the front driveshaft, or even simpler yet..... just not engage 4 wheel drive until you regear. No need to go through all that extra work for nothing. You do need stubs in the front hubs so you have to get some junk cv axles or tear yours apart and stick them in. Front driveshaft off is far less complex.

 

Yeah, I guess that's like me. Take everything simple and make it harder...

I guess my thought process was that I would take it all out, and then when I have the coin, it's all ready to go. But yeah, a drive shaft does sound easier!

 

even simpler, disengage the shift lever from the transfer case. only a single bolt.

 

Provided it has a lever in the first place. Could just kill power to the encoder motor as well if it's push button. Countless possibilities, lol.

 

If you pull the driveshaft, make sure you load the t-case splines with grease. I left the driveshaft out of one of my trucks for a few months, the slpines rusted, and now I can't even get the driveshaft back in.