Access differential cover top bolts on stock TJ

al07

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Hi,

This is a very noob question, but I'm having a hard time to find a way to access the top bolts of the differential covers (Dana 30 and 35) on my stock 2004 tj.
I don't have a lift, and all videos I can find online show lifted and modded TJs that have very accessible bolts.
Do I need to jack it up in some way to be able to access them? I tried different socket extensions but there's always something on the way and can't make it work.

Hope you can help!
 
As LJ said above, jack it up in the back by the frame or the axle itself until you can get some big jack stands under it.

The axle will droop on its own if your jacking it up by the frame.

If your jacking it up by the axle and setting stands under the frame it will droop down as you let the jack down.
 
As LJ said above, jack it up in the back by the frame or the axle itself until you can get some big jack stands under it.

The axle will droop on its own if your jacking it up by the frame.

If your jacking it up by the axle and setting stands under the frame it will droop down as you let the jack down.

What's the best spot on the frame to set the jack stands? For servicing therear axle and for the front axle.
 
What's the best spot on the frame to set the jack stands? For servicing therear axle and for the front axle.

Ideally, as far to the rear and/or front of the frame rails as possible.
Never support the frame of the vehicle with jackstands located between the wheels on a TJ; the wheel base is too short for this to be a stable configuration.
 
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On the frame at the control arm brackets.
I respectfully disagree if the goal is to suspend the entire axle, essentially relaxing the suspension.
I agree with this placement if you’re lifting one corner and cannot get a stand under the axle, though.
 
I respectfully disagree if the goal is to suspend the entire axle, essentially relaxing the suspension.
I agree with this placement if you’re lifting one corner and cannot get a stand under the axle, though.

He's only putting stands at the rear end. There is plenty of stability with the front tires on the ground and 800lbs of engine stuff. Never mind how common it is to hold the entire Jeep up with four stands next to the control arm mounts. And anyone with a two post lift can't do it any other way.
 
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He's only putting stands at the rear end. There is plenty of stability with the front tires on the ground and 800lbs of engine stuff. Never mind how common it is to hold the entire Jeep up with four stands next to the control arm mounts. And anyone with a two post lift can't do it any other way.

What if I need to lift the front end instead?
 
Then do that. 🤣

Lol, I mean you mentioned it's safe to do it on the rear end because there is 800 pounds of engine stuff in the front. So wondering where should I put the jack stands if I need to lift the front instead.
 
Lol, I mean you mentioned it's safe to do it on the rear end because there is 800 pounds of engine stuff in the front. So wondering where should I put the jack stands if I need to lift the front instead.

I've had both of my axles out and chopped off the control arm mounts for new suspension all using jack stands under the frame.