You do not have to drop the diff. There is a large bolt on the front of the diff that holds it in place. You need to support the diff and remove that bolt. This allows you to twist the front of the diff down and remove the drive shaft.
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Clay
Mods-Hahn Stage 3 Turbo/Hi-Flow Cat, Greddy RS BOV/Profec B Spec 2, MagnaFlow Cat Back, Eibach Sportline Springs, GM High Perf. Sway Bars, Koing "Unknown" Rims w/ Bridgestone RE01R Tires, RK Sport Body Kit/Ram Air Hood/Spoiler/Rear Valence, Vertical Doors Solstice Kit, Autometer Fuel Press,Boost Gauge, Autometer Digital Shift Light, AEM Wideband A/F Meter, Dark Walnut Woodgrain Dash Kit, Clutchmasters Stage 3 Clutch, Kicker 8" Sub/Alpine 6.5"/Blaupunkt 3.5" Speakers, MSD DashHawk, etc.