Do i have to take the traction bar off that runs across the pumpkin cover.. in order to take the cover off to change the rear differential fluid?

 

it depends...you didnt tell us what your driving
if its a 4 door 99 like mine then no. i didnt...but it would make the job easier.

 

warthog is right:you do not need to remove sway bar(if this an s series Blazer) but it is a tad trickier getting the cover back in place with a new gasket and sealant leak-free w/o disturbing the sealing medium! My 97 GU6 axle I had to do twice due to my ineptitude with that! But that was now 3 years ago...

 

Thax , stepp66
I have a 2003 LS 4door 4wheel drive. the sway bar is pretty close and i can see it will be hard to put back with out distrubing the new gasket!! So i guess my next question is...can i take the sway bar off or loose with out messing the rear alignment up or anything??

 

there is no rear alignment on these riggs.
you can remove the bar, but you may have to get new u-bolts to get the sway bar off...i am guessing the rust is gonna put up a fight. you can try to soak the bolts in p.b. blaster..that may help.

 

Thanks alot warthogdriver... I didnt think there was a rear alignment.. but me i seem to tear up more than iam tryin to fix!! and i have to say there hasn't been a bolt i havent got off yet... iv torched a few and cut a few but i never give up. and yes i will get new U bolts..cause i got the same feelin..does rusted old bolts are going to put a few more gray hairs in my thick skull... Thax again.

 

So i got the pumpkin cover off and drained the fluid, got the cover and new gasket on, went to fill it up ..and i cant get the freakin PLUG out!! and now the hole in the plug is rounded out and the socket end is not going to get it.. What do i try next?? do they make a special tool for that? i know this has to happen to others...or is it just my darn luck!! HELP))))))

 

If you have access to a welder you can try grinding off the rust and welding a nut on it.

 

So who sell's a heavy duty rear shock for a 2003 blazer LS? These light weight shocks seem to be pretty much junk

 

i got my rancho 9000xl's from 4wheelonline.com. very happy with the ship time and service. your truck may not need adjustability etc depending on what you do with your truck. I tow, off-road and also do a good bit of highway driving. their prices were very good. if you want also check rock auto. they have shocks starting under $20 iirc.