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Need help..............pinion cover

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Old Feb 22, 2005 | 09:12 PM
  #1  
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From: Hattiesburg MS
Default Need help..............pinion cover

Can someone tell me how to get the pinion cover off?!? I pulled the leaf spring and all bolts from cover. It is bolted to a cross brace between the frame rails and I thought I would just drop the cross brace and take the cover out with it. Removed a 5/8 bolt from each end of the brace but can't get it to budge The bolts that hold the cover to the cross brace are on top and I can't figure out how to get to them without taking both parts out together. Am I missing something?
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Old Feb 22, 2005 | 09:29 PM
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I cant help but am planning the same job soon and thats what I assumed I would do.
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Old Feb 22, 2005 | 09:32 PM
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I would remove the differential with the cross member. Your only other choice is bore holes through the rear deck to access the 4 bolts from the top side. The cross member will drop out, but it can be very reluctant. Don't be afraid to pry really hard against the sombreros on each bushing to break it loose. Be careful, once that cross member lets go there is a substantial amount of weight there. Get some support under the differential so it can't fall off and do some damage to you.

Last edited by Big Fish; Feb 22, 2005 at 09:35 PM.
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Old Feb 22, 2005 | 09:51 PM
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I was scared to pry too much, thought I would break something. I'll try a pry bar tomorrow. Thanks for the advice.
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Old Feb 22, 2005 | 11:01 PM
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I was able to drop the rear by using a 3/8 ratchet w/extension and reaching up from the front and removing the 4 bolts (1/2 or 9/16 -- I think) thru the top hole in the crossmember. The 1/2 shafts were definitely out of the car. It was a PITA and took me a couple of evenings --- but I got em !! Rick
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Old Feb 24, 2005 | 12:13 AM
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This is now starting to really **** me off! I put a pry bar on from every angle I could get at and can't get it to budge! What is supposed to seperate? Does the rubber slip out of a groove or what? If its this hard to get out.............how do you get it reinstalled. Had to quit before I cut a hole in the floor above it to get at the bolts because I was so mad! This is now a quest, the brace must be set free! More input please.
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Old Feb 24, 2005 | 12:18 AM
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Probably rusted or corroded in place. Try soaking it down with a good penetrating oil? Can you drive a wedge in between?
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Old Feb 24, 2005 | 12:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Big Fish
Probably rusted or corroded in place. Try soaking it down with a good penetrating oil? Can you drive a wedge in between?
Where does it come apart? Does the bushing come out of the mount bracket? There are some ears that are bent over the edge of what looks to be a drum which houses the rubber bushing. Do I need to bend these down, or does it come aprat somewhere else?
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Old Feb 24, 2005 | 06:38 AM
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The bushings come off with the cross member. They are secured to the cross member with those ears that are bent over that you described. The bushings are cup shaped and are a snug fit on the pieces welded to the frame, they are dome shaped. The picture link below shows the frame piece, the dome portion faces downwards.

http://www.zip-products.com/Zip/prod...F3BB77BCA13B49
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Old Feb 24, 2005 | 07:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Big Fish
The bushings come off with the cross member. They are secured to the cross member with those ears that are bent over that you described. The bushings are cup shaped and are a snug fit on the pieces welded to the frame, they are dome shaped. The picture link below shows the frame piece, the dome portion faces downwards.

http://www.zip-products.com/Zip/prod...F3BB77BCA13B49
Okay, so a little oil between the dome shaped portion of the cushion retainer and the bushing itself may do the trick. I guess once I get it apart I will understand it more. Thanks.
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Old Feb 24, 2005 | 07:52 AM
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How big a bar are you using? I use a 3' bar and gets them off. Be careful you don't distort the metal. You can use a 3 jaw puller and spacer or Norval uses wood chisels to wedge on each side to pop them off. Why are you removing it?
Gary
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Old Feb 24, 2005 | 02:08 PM
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Originally Posted by gtr1999
How big a bar are you using? I use a 3' bar and gets them off. Be careful you don't distort the metal. You can use a 3 jaw puller and spacer or Norval uses wood chisels to wedge on each side to pop them off. Why are you removing it?
Gary
To get the rear pinion cover off and check out things inside while tranny is being rebuilt.

The pic in the last post is what I needed. I'm sure this will work. Thanks!

Last edited by Mr Fanuc; Feb 24, 2005 at 02:09 PM. Reason: more information
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Old Feb 24, 2005 | 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Mr Fanuc
To get the rear pinion cover off and check out things inside while tranny is being rebuilt.

The pic in the last post is what I needed. I'm sure this will work. Thanks!
I knew Ed T would come through! If you have any questions on the inspection let me know.
Gary
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Old Feb 24, 2005 | 02:19 PM
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How big was the prybar did you try? I used a 36" or 40" and it only took a little force to pop it off. I would think a little 12" prybar is not going to do it, might as well use a big screwdiver.
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Old Feb 24, 2005 | 06:29 PM
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Originally Posted by gtr1999
I knew Ed T would come through! If you have any questions on the inspection let me know.
Gary
gtr1999, your right..........the tip from Ed T did the trick! Much thanks Ed T.............you da man!!! Once I got it off I found no metal in the bottom of the diff. housing. But found that one of the leaf spring bolts had broken through to the inside of the housing. Looks like it may have been too long or the wrong thickness washer was used. From the looks of the broken metal it has been this way for a long time, not a fresh break. Will probably just use Loc-tite 592 on the threads to insure no oil weeps by the threads. I am going to start a new thread in a little while with questions. Got to pay bills right now and see if I have the $ to get this thing back on the road.
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Old Feb 24, 2005 | 10:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Ed T
How you are going about your project isnt the easiest way to do it but when you put it back together & are working w/o a helper you can use your big jack under the cover & pump the cover/crossmember back into position.Use a drift to line up the holes & you will be good to go. You can use some gasket spray on the cover. Have fun
That was my plan..........to use the jack. You have piqued my interest with what sounds like a better way. Please tell me more.........very ignorant about the best way to get it done. I am also very lazy and like things easy!
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Old Feb 25, 2005 | 07:40 AM
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Fanuc
Here is what I found to be the best way to remove it without dropping anything Else! Also I see you PM me but I can't open the window?? I'll get back to you once I can.
Gary
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Old Feb 25, 2005 | 07:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Big Fish
Probably rusted or corroded in place. Try soaking it down with a good penetrating oil? Can you drive a wedge in between?
I know I am a bit late, but I soak them with PB Blaster and use an air chisel with a wedge to break them loose. Works like a charm.
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