Dropping The Diff......
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,537
Likes: 280
From: Egg Harbor Township NJ
2015 C2 of Year
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10, '14-'15
Dropping The Diff......
Can the bolts that hold the diff on the crossmember be gotten too with out having to drop the crossmember and the diff together???
And..since the rubber cushion mounts on the rear diff crossmember are bocoo exspensive...what are the chances that they will have to be replaced after the crossmember is down. Or should I replace them do to age anyway??
I have heard that the crossmember is tough to get down due to it's tenency to stick to it's mounting points..which means using a "JOHNSON BAR" :banghead:
Whats the best way too go about this?? :cheers:
And..since the rubber cushion mounts on the rear diff crossmember are bocoo exspensive...what are the chances that they will have to be replaced after the crossmember is down. Or should I replace them do to age anyway??
I have heard that the crossmember is tough to get down due to it's tenency to stick to it's mounting points..which means using a "JOHNSON BAR" :banghead:
Whats the best way too go about this?? :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,328
Likes: 2,707
From: Close to DC
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Re: Dropping The Diff...... (Viet Nam Vett)
Hey Mark, be careful using the tool called a "johnson" bar, it could hurt. :D Here's what I did, grunted and groaned with a friend after copious amount of lub and the crossmember didn't budge. Second approach, I estimated the location of the crossmember to diff. bolts, pulled the carpet out of the back and cut neat holes in the floor. I was in the process of replacing the carpet anyway. Shipped the diff. to Bair's and the whole problem solved, saved the plugs and epoxied them back later. When I'm long gone someone may discover this sin. :cheers:
[Modified by Bluestripe67, 11:29 PM 3/9/2003]
[Modified by Bluestripe67, 11:29 PM 3/9/2003]
Drifting
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 5
From: Brandon FL
Re: Dropping The Diff...... (Viet Nam Vett)
Hit the crossmember with some PB Blaster for a few days before disassembly. You might still need a pry bar or crowbar, but just be careful and you'll be OK.
If you have some help, I have also removed several rear axles leaving the rear cover in place. Drop the exhaust (unless you have side pipes) remove the spring bolts to the t arms, remove front bushing bolt, remove side shaft and drive shaft u joints, and unbolt. You WILL need some help reinstalling, even if it's just someone to watch that you don't damage the gasket during reinstall.
If you have some help, I have also removed several rear axles leaving the rear cover in place. Drop the exhaust (unless you have side pipes) remove the spring bolts to the t arms, remove front bushing bolt, remove side shaft and drive shaft u joints, and unbolt. You WILL need some help reinstalling, even if it's just someone to watch that you don't damage the gasket during reinstall.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 17
Re: Dropping The Diff...... (Viet Nam Vett)
I dropped my diff and crossmember as a unit and my mounts (original) were fine. I'll reuse them when I put it all back together. I started spraying the mounts with penetrating oil several weeks in advance of disassembly and the crossmember popped right off, after a few minutes of cautious prying with an 18" crowbar.
Good luck with your project.
Mike
Good luck with your project.
Mike
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 912
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
St. Jude Contributor '03 & '04
Re: Dropping The Diff...... (Viet Nam Vett)
I don't have much to add, but I wanted to show off my new signature. :D
I had my body off when I removed my dif, so it was infinitely easier. I know the bolts can be accessed with the body on, because Bubba had twisted one off.
I soaked the cushions with PB Blaster, and the cm came off with a bit of prying.
One cushion got buggered in the process, but the other is ok. Holler if you need it.
I had my body off when I removed my dif, so it was infinitely easier. I know the bolts can be accessed with the body on, because Bubba had twisted one off.
I soaked the cushions with PB Blaster, and the cm came off with a bit of prying.
One cushion got buggered in the process, but the other is ok. Holler if you need it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 2
From: The Garden Spot of the Garden State
Re: Dropping The Diff...... (Viet Nam Vett)
..in a word, no
...drilling the holes through the floor is actually a service practice right out of the chassis service manual
...drilling the holes through the floor is actually a service practice right out of the chassis service manual
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,537
Likes: 280
From: Egg Harbor Township NJ
2015 C2 of Year
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10, '14-'15
Re: Dropping The Diff...... (Kid_Again)
Thanks guys for the replies. But What is "PB Blaster"???? Whare do you get it.
What is the PB Thang??
So I asume the best way to drop the diff would be with the crossmember attached.. with the weight of the diff on the crossmemer I assume it will help pull on the crossmember to help break it lose. :cheers:
What is the PB Thang??
So I asume the best way to drop the diff would be with the crossmember attached.. with the weight of the diff on the crossmemer I assume it will help pull on the crossmember to help break it lose. :cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 912
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
St. Jude Contributor '03 & '04
Re: Dropping The Diff...... (Viet Nam Vett)
"Thanks guys for the replies. But What is "PB Blaster"???? Whare do you get it.
What is the PB Thang??"
Penetrating oil. Most auto parts stores have it.
What is the PB Thang??"
Penetrating oil. Most auto parts stores have it.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 2
From: The Garden Spot of the Garden State
Re: Dropping The Diff...... (Viet Nam Vett)
...no, on most midyears, the weight of the diff alone will not cause the crossmember to drop - you will need a VERY large crow bar for assistance....i've found that dripping wd-40 into the top of the crossmember sombrero gasket will, over a week or so, cause the gasket to release (usually suddenly and violently) but you probably don't have that time
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,620
Likes: 0
From: 20 forward gears to shift through in MD
Re: Dropping The Diff...... (Viet Nam Vett)
Mark, of the many mid year/shark diff cross member removals I have done/participated in, I have only seen one (so far) that absolutely would not budge (ultimately took an air chisel to it). Nearly all of them would release with verying degrees of persuasion (from nearly nothing up to big whacks with a bigger hammer). You may be surprised how easy it ~might~ come off. :cheers:
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 431
Likes: 1
From: close to Frankfurt/Main Germany
Re: Dropping The Diff...... (Denney)
Even if I had the body of at the time.....the rear axle drop was quite a simple job compared to what my dreams of the process had been.
Used PB as well....and it dropped right off. :smash:
Used PB as well....and it dropped right off. :smash:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,537
Likes: 280
From: Egg Harbor Township NJ
2015 C2 of Year
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10, '14-'15
Re: Dropping The Diff...... (Kid_Again)
Well............I got my own way of getting that Pesky Crossmember out !!!!
A few drop and jerks should do it.....All I need is about $350.00 for some diesel fuel...!!!!
A few drop and jerks should do it.....All I need is about $350.00 for some diesel fuel...!!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 1,009
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
Re: Dropping The Diff...... (Viet Nam Vett)
An easy way is to use a 5 inch 2 jaw gear puller. Just loosen each crossmember bolt a few turns but leave it in and run the gear puller screw onto the bolt and it will pop right down and the bolt will hold it in. 5 minutes each side and you are done.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 4
From: Marblehead MA
Re: Dropping The Diff...... (Viet Nam Vett)
Hey Mark,
Your on... I'll pony up the $350 for the diesel fuel just for a chance to watch this one.... :yesnod:
Bet more than that pesky crossmember comes out.... :lolg: :lolg: :lolg:
Your on... I'll pony up the $350 for the diesel fuel just for a chance to watch this one.... :yesnod:
Bet more than that pesky crossmember comes out.... :lolg: :lolg: :lolg:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,537
Likes: 280
From: Egg Harbor Township NJ
2015 C2 of Year
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10, '14-'15
Re: Dropping The Diff...... (69ttop502)
Quote*
An easy way is to use a 5 inch 2 jaw gear puller. Just loosen each crossmember bolt a few turns but leave it in and run the gear puller screw onto the bolt and it will pop right down and the bolt will hold it in. 5 minutes each side and you are done.
________________________________________ _______________________
Now that sounds like a great idea...............I will give that one a try !!!
Thanks 69ttop502............ :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:
[Modified by Viet Nam Vett, 9:03 PM 3/11/2003]
An easy way is to use a 5 inch 2 jaw gear puller. Just loosen each crossmember bolt a few turns but leave it in and run the gear puller screw onto the bolt and it will pop right down and the bolt will hold it in. 5 minutes each side and you are done.
________________________________________ _______________________
Now that sounds like a great idea...............I will give that one a try !!!
Thanks 69ttop502............ :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:
[Modified by Viet Nam Vett, 9:03 PM 3/11/2003]
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,537
Likes: 280
From: Egg Harbor Township NJ
2015 C2 of Year
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10, '14-'15
Re: Dropping The Diff...... (achapman)
Quote*
Bet more than that pesky crossmember comes out....
________________________________________ _______________________
Yeah........You get to change out the complete drive line all at once....
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Bet more than that pesky crossmember comes out....
________________________________________ _______________________
Yeah........You get to change out the complete drive line all at once....
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,246
Likes: 21
From: Going too fast over the hill. Iowa
Re: Dropping The Diff...... (Viet Nam Vett)
I did this once by prying it out to replace the rubber mounts. Years after that, Joe on the NCRS board said it is easy if you use the second largest green pry bar that they sell at Orchard Supply stores in CA. I had my sister in law bring one to Montana when we hiked together so I could have one. The job is a pita - but doable.
Every time I removed the diff after that - I left the crossmember in the car. Is there a problem with the crossmember? I only pull the diff when I (have too much fun and) break the gears. :jester
Every time I removed the diff after that - I left the crossmember in the car. Is there a problem with the crossmember? I only pull the diff when I (have too much fun and) break the gears. :jester
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,537
Likes: 280
From: Egg Harbor Township NJ
2015 C2 of Year
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10, '14-'15
Re: Dropping The Diff...... (magicv8)
Heh Magicv8,
The diff is leaking out the yokes and since I am rebuilding the T arms I thought I would send the diff out for a rebuild with them to Baird's. They do the whole unit. So I am sending he rear cover back with the diff as a complete assembley.
So out comes the crossmember.... dropping the complete unit at one shot.
Since you can't get to the diff to member bolts without chopping a hole in he rear deck floor I'm gonna try the 2 jaw puller thing...and see what happens.
If it doesn't come out easy I will use the Crane method as pictured above...
:lol: :lol: :lol: :cheers:
The diff is leaking out the yokes and since I am rebuilding the T arms I thought I would send the diff out for a rebuild with them to Baird's. They do the whole unit. So I am sending he rear cover back with the diff as a complete assembley.
So out comes the crossmember.... dropping the complete unit at one shot.
Since you can't get to the diff to member bolts without chopping a hole in he rear deck floor I'm gonna try the 2 jaw puller thing...and see what happens.
If it doesn't come out easy I will use the Crane method as pictured above...
:lol: :lol: :lol: :cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 912
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
St. Jude Contributor '03 & '04
Re: Dropping The Diff...... (Viet Nam Vett)
"The diff is leaking out the yokes and since I am rebuilding the T arms I thought I would send the diff out for a rebuild"
Those seals are about $3.50 each at Autozone, and are easy to pop in. Sure you need a complete rebuild?
Those seals are about $3.50 each at Autozone, and are easy to pop in. Sure you need a complete rebuild?