82 Differential Question
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Billerica MA
82 Differential Question
I am attempting to rebuild the differential on my 82 and have a couple of questions. The first question is the axles are difficult to remove and I read on another posting that I need to grind them down if they are mushroomed or pound them out with a brass rod. They do not appear to be out of shape. Is their any concern of damage to the axles by pounding them out? I have also read that there is a good chance I will crack the case when applying torque the bolts. Is there a decent process that I can minimize my risk? If I do crack the case what would my options be? 
I have a bunch of questions and appreciate any input you may have. Thank You.
I have a bunch of questions and appreciate any input you may have. Thank You.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,809
Likes: 236
From: Utah
When I wanted to rebuild and change the gears in my 82 diff. many recommended changing to a earlier diff. (1979 or earlier) as these were much stronger and less prone to breakage. In fact only one forum member would rebuild my 82 diff. (Traccdog2) GTR1999 strongly recommended against it and I ended up with a custom built, 1979 diff. from GTR1999. I was very pleased and would highly recommend him. Hope this helps a little.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 1
Just tap them out, they can be pretty tight even if the ends are not mushroomed. You won't crack the case, it's not that flimsy.
You do have a case spreader right (or a home fabbed setup with a turnbuckle so you can use that to spread the case)?? You'll need to do that to preload the bearings when installing.
You do have a case spreader right (or a home fabbed setup with a turnbuckle so you can use that to spread the case)?? You'll need to do that to preload the bearings when installing.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Billerica MA
I am going to reach out to GTR1999 and TRACCDOG2 to determine all my options. I am doing a frame off and trying to do most of the work myself, but $800.00 in parts distruction due to ignorance will hurt the budget. I will look at a case spreader if I attempt the rebuild. I have a dial indicator and depth micometer.
Thank you for your input.
Thank you for your input.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 1
http://www.vettemod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=168
that may give you some pointers on the case spreader
that may give you some pointers on the case spreader
