Vixen Diff Knock and removal...

[thunderbox1000]

I've had a bad knock coming from the diff area on a S2 Vixen. My I laid under the car and my partner started the car and went first/reverse/first etc and bingo!
It stalled.
Third time round, having been run over the second time round, I concluded loudly there was play in the diff but the term 'slapper' was misunderstood so she ran me over again.

Right, Question: What is the best way of changing the diff - is it sideways via removal of a rear upright etc or is there a better way??? Its a GT6 diff. Do the brake hoses need removing?

Any help gratefully received as I'm on short rations here.

[thunderbox1000]

There's no hatch, I don't think I have one on a Vixen but I'm aware the Tuscans have them. I don't want to cut one if I can avoid it.
It's GT6 non overdrive as that's the existing type
Can the diff be removed sideways?

[thunderbox1000]

Well I can only hope it's heavy duty, it's been inspected as ok but not rebuilt. I will take the old one apart and have a look when it's off.
Thanks for the info Adrian

[thunderbox1000]

Sorted.
Nearside wheel off, all shaft joints undone, suspension top links disconnected and hub dropped, 4 bolts that hold the diff in removed and diff goes sideways. Installation the reverse etc yawn.
No cutting of body needed!!!
Amazing no one replied with the answer as it must have been done countless times, ah well...

[thunderbox1000]

A OK Pal! In doing the work I've overtightened the suspension links in the interests of getting finished before it rained, so the cars on a slope now with rock solid suspension. Oh well I was wondering what to do tomorrow....
The diff is in but the prop is off - the rear UJ has ovalled the yoke so off to Bailey Morris tomorrow.
So the knock problem was twofold - slap in the diff and slight movement on the UJ. Should all be as quiet as a cat burglar on a quilt when finished.

[thunderbox1000]

Bailey Morris are doing it, and they are good. It needs a new prop yoke and balancing, plus both UJ's for £90

[thunderbox1000]

The chassis arrangement of the S2 allows sideways removal without too much of an issue. The TR6 diff ought to be OK as the rear fins should clear the frame. The only potential disaster is the flexi brake line which is at its limit when the upright is lowered - if it was in a ramp it would need careful attention, I used a block of wood under the brake drum to keep play in the line.