Support Front Diff for Engine Removal?

[richml3]

I have removed the 258 from my 85 Eagle 4-door sedan.  I've removed engines from cars many times, but this was my first Eagle.  Everything went fairly smooth except when trying to figure out which mounts and brackets to remove I ended up removing the two bolts that hold up the front diff pumpkin to the driver side motor mount bracket.  This was basically the last thing holding it up since I had the passenger side bracket disconnected that holds the axle tube up on that side.  THUNK!  Down dropped the whole front diff and it caught itself on some of the exhaust tubing running underneath.  There is now a small leak at one of the CV boots and I don't know what all I may have broken.

Now that the motor is out, how should I have prepared for supporting the front diff if it is held in place mostly by being bolted to the block through mounts and brackets?  I'll need to know this for the reinstall.

What damage "may" have I done with respect to the axles, front drive shaft, T-case, CV joints, etc. and what steps should I take to check everything out?

BTW, the trans is still in the car and had not planned on removing the trans unless I absolutely have to.

Also, please direct me to any threads on engine removal techniques and procedures.

Thanks, folks!

[eaglefreek]

The couple times that I have removed an engine in an Eagle, I removed the front diff first to get it out of the way.

[vangremlin]

When we removed the engine from my Eagle, we just supported the front drive train with wood blocks.  We also disconnected the front CV axles from the differential. 

[mudkicker715]

The first time i removed the motor i supported it to the shock towers. However its just as easy to pull it out. I have done that the next multiple times.

[richml3]

I'm seeing a common theme here.

Any speculation on what I may have broken that has diff oil dripping at the driver side CV?  Maybe just a boot or seal? Worse?

Thanks,
Rich

[carnuck]

If it's diff oil, it may have tipped so far down the breather hose pulled out.

[IowaEagle]

Is it grease or oil?  If it is a grease type substance the boot is probably bad, but I would pull that half shaft anyway to inspect the joint.  Most of us do not bother replacing boots as it is far better to replace the half shaft.