How do you separate the diff from the axle housing without beating up the 3rd housing.
this has never been removed so its the factory gasket material.

Thank you

Nathan

I'm assuming you pulled the axles already? If so, the silicone will hold it up a bit, smack it (not too hard) with a good hammer, it should break the seal, and you can wiggle it out.

i had the same problem a couple months ago. it took me jacking up the front of the diff, and beating on it with a hammer. if that doesnt work. get a bigger hammer

that should loosen it up enough that you can pry it apart.

P.S. i used a rubber hammer, and dont forget to pull the axels out about 5 or 6 inches.

Okay finally got them both out.      The back was such a pain. I thought the front  was going to be the same way so I pulled the axles, unbolted the carrier from the housing. It was still connected at the driveshaft and frame mount. Came back to it after a few minutes and found that it had separated itself enough to drain all the oil onto the floor of my garage  . I wasnt able to loosen the drain bolt. I had a pan under there to catch the oil when I was ready to separate it but it had gotten pushed over just enough not to catch any of the oil.  Next one I will be ready for. 

Anyone know why the rear diff is 15 pounds heavier then the front   

Rear diff is a bigger gear, and the carrier is iron,
not aluminum