Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Replacing trac-loc discs

[MikeBeggy]

I am preparing to replace my limited slip discs with a Spicer rebuild kit. The shop manual notes the use of a housing spreader to remove the preload on diff assembly and then remove the assembly. Has anyone tried to pull the diff without a spreader? I am guessing that with 150k miles my factory set preload has probably gone away and it should be much easier to work on. Anyone been there done that??? Thanx