How to install a rear Diff

I removed my rear diff (OEM D44) from my jeep to paint it and install new spring bushings. I did not remove the springs from the diff but did remove the shackles.

Tonight I reinstalled the diff on the Jeep but I got to thinking is there an order of operations to doing this? Does it have to be aligned a special way?

Here is what I did I rolled the diff under the Jeep and lined up the front bushing holes on the springs to the frame hangers. I put those bolts in but did not tighten them down. Then I jacked things up and down until I got the rear shackles lined up and got bolts in there and snugged them. Then I dropped the jack down and and let the shackles move - they are know facing almost straight up and down. Finally I tightened all 6 bolts (2 ftr, 4 rear on shackles).

Is this how its done? Did I forget to do something? It looks straight...Just want to make sure I am not supposed to align the diff with the t-case or anything...Thanks.

 

Sounds good to me. If they get too tight you can crush the hanger...or it might make them squeaky...but your procedure sounds good.

 

Yeah, Thats the way I've done it.
Just make sure the mounts or shackle plates are tight on the bushing(60 ft/lbs), not clamping the spring eyes.