1977 Rear End work
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
1977 Rear End work
First time here,
I am working on my buddys 77 and I noticed that the rear leaf spring support (both) that comes off the rear end cover are broken
. How hard is this to change out? Should I attemp it or take it to a pro?
I am working on my buddys 77 and I noticed that the rear leaf spring support (both) that comes off the rear end cover are broken
. How hard is this to change out? Should I attemp it or take it to a pro?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 649
Likes: 10
From: Shelby Twp MI
I have the same problem I think...
One of the rear lugs was broken right off mine. A new cap is going to cost about $110 out of Mid America so I plan on buying that as well as getting it rebuilt with a 3:7 (by a Pro). No sense of adding horsepower to my 3:08 and only be able to experience it going 200mph down the free-way... 
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
It is just the cover tha tneeds to be replaced. Not a big job at all. I don't know what your skills or tool level is but it should not take more than a couple of hours. Change the fluid while you are in there and do a good inspection of the stub shafts. You might find a rebuild is needed also.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Rear end work
My skills are alright, but my work area is limited. I am working out of his garage but I do have access to the hobby shop on base. Will I have to remove both drive shafts? I'm not sure about them leafs either. Will they pop out on me?
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Illinois, USA
Originally Posted by Gordonm
It is just the cover tha tneeds to be replaced. Not a big job at all. I don't know what your skills or tool level is but it should not take more than a couple of hours. Change the fluid while you are in there and do a good inspection of the stub shafts. You might find a rebuild is needed also.
I know my cover leaks when the bolts are out, so I know I got some work ahead of me, but I can't see how in the world this could be done in a few hours based on my assessment of what needs to be done.It was my understanding that you had to drop the rear end and the support that goes across to the frame as it is bolted on the top of that.
Based on age, and the fact those bolts are gonna be nicely aged -- I figured it would take hours just to get it apart (lucky if I could do it over a weekend).
Is there a method to doing this I don't know about?
Brian.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: Mukilteo Washington
Originally Posted by C3nMe
Really? I know my cover leaks when the bolts are out, so I know I got some work ahead of me, but I can't see how in the world this could be done in a few hours based on my assessment of what needs to be done.
It was my understanding that you had to drop the rear end and the support that goes across to the frame as it is bolted on the top of that.
Based on age, and the fact those bolts are gonna be nicely aged -- I figured it would take hours just to get it apart (lucky if I could do it over a weekend).
Is there a method to doing this I don't know about?
Brian.
I know my cover leaks when the bolts are out, so I know I got some work ahead of me, but I can't see how in the world this could be done in a few hours based on my assessment of what needs to be done.It was my understanding that you had to drop the rear end and the support that goes across to the frame as it is bolted on the top of that.
Based on age, and the fact those bolts are gonna be nicely aged -- I figured it would take hours just to get it apart (lucky if I could do it over a weekend).
Is there a method to doing this I don't know about?
Brian.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Illinois, USA
Originally Posted by 77 vette
Yes it's called "Van Steel's video", it cost 5-10 bucks and has all the tricks, I can get mine out in less than an hour but re-installing it takes longer.
If it is as good as you say, it'll be easily worth the $20
Brian.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 826
Likes: 0
From: Pearl MS
It is at least an all day affair - if you have all of the tools and parts needed. I just did this a few months back. THe bolts are aged and stuck but it comes apart fairly easily. I used a lot of PB Blaster. THe biggest pain that I had was the lower shock mounts. I pulled everything out from under the rear of my car. THe Van Steel DVD is the way to go 
It gives you alot of good tips.
Good luck with your project.
It gives you alot of good tips.Good luck with your project.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Illinois, USA
Originally Posted by skydaddy
It is at least an all day affair - if you have all of the tools and parts needed. I just did this a few months back. THe bolts are aged and stuck but it comes apart fairly easily. I used a lot of PB Blaster. THe biggest pain that I had was the lower shock mounts. I pulled everything out from under the rear of my car. THe Van Steel DVD is the way to go It gives you alot of good tips.
Good luck with your project.
It gives you alot of good tips.Good luck with your project.
I have contacted them to try to change it.I might have a leg up on the lower shock mounts in that I replaced them during the suspension upgrade, but the bolts were not "easy" to take apart. I'm also expecting that the bushings on the upper support are shot too, and will need to be replaced, and while I have it apart, I'll have it painted.
Geez, this can really get out of hand quick
Brian.
