center differential help needed 96 5MT

Has anybody done this?

I've got the exhaust and the shield off.

I imagine I'll separate the drive shaft and remove the front half.

I think I'll have to support the transmission with a jack, and remove the cross members to get the rear cover off.

I know the shift linkage has some roll pins that need to be knocked out in order to remove the linkage.

Any advice would be appreciated.

You probably already completed your task... but for the record.

I'm about to attempt this myself (for the 2nd time) the biggest advice I have is make sure you can knock the roll pin out (connects the shifter to transmission)... I left this to last when I attempted to salvage one, but could not get it free. In the end I had to abandon as the breakers yard was closing and wasn't able to return in suitable time frame.

Also someone mentioned Opposed Forces on another thread, seems like a great resource. And gives 'likely doner' list of cars to look for, note that there are 2 types on center diff.

For my Forester I found these compatible parts.

http://opposedforces.com/parts/info/38913AA100/

http://opposedforces.com/parts/info/38913AA101/

From memory you don't need to remove cross member, but I might be wrong. You will need to remove rear-dif cover, prop shaft (keep in one piece as it can slide out once pinon and carrier are unbolted) and exhaust shield.

Good luck,

Simon