Swap questions
 

Hi all, due to schedule and time constraints and the fact that the lift I can use is shared, I'm planning on pulling my 4.4 out of the top of the car. Probably a bit more challenging, but I can take my time over days or weeks as needed. I have two questions I'm hoping those that have pulled the M62 motor from their X5s can answer:

I'm wondering if I can 1) leave the front diff and left axle in the car (basically unbolt it before pulling the motor), and 2) pull the right axle nut and slip the front right axle out of the car with the engine, leaving it attached to the motor.

I'll be transferring the diff and axles over to the new motor, and I think leaving it in the car (supported of course) would be simplest. I'd replace the diff to oil pan seal(s) before bolting it up to the new motor, after I drop it in. However, since the right axle needs to come out given that it extends through the pan, this axle and carrier would be easier to swap onto the new motor while it is on the stand I think, as long as I can get the motor back into the car with this axle already installed.

Thanks all.