I am having some trouble
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 826
Likes: 0
From: Pearl MS
I am having some trouble
I am in the process of redoing the rear suspension and the diff must come out. This is a body on deal so it makes it a little more trouble to get to. Additionally I have the car up on 4 stands.
Should I remove the diff from the cross member or remove the cross member and diff as 1 piece. I watched the VAN STEEL video last night and it looks a lot easier to get at, if you go after the cross member but the unit becomes a whole lot bigger. The main problem is the exhuast is in the way.
What should I do?
Should I remove the diff from the cross member or remove the cross member and diff as 1 piece. I watched the VAN STEEL video last night and it looks a lot easier to get at, if you go after the cross member but the unit becomes a whole lot bigger. The main problem is the exhuast is in the way.
What should I do?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
At a bare minimum, you need to disconnect the exhaust and push it aside.
I would remove it as a unit, but you can get a 5/8 socket
up above the crossmember and remove the four bolts holding the diff up.
The rubber bushings at the ends of the corssmember are always a bear to get loose.
Think: BIG prybar or a 2-3 jaw gear puller.
I would remove it as a unit, but you can get a 5/8 socket
up above the crossmember and remove the four bolts holding the diff up.
The rubber bushings at the ends of the corssmember are always a bear to get loose.
Think: BIG prybar or a 2-3 jaw gear puller.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 826
Likes: 0
From: Pearl MS
Thanks, That is the way I was thinking I needed to go. I got a problem with the exhaust though. The brain surgeon that had the car before me - welded the exhaust to the support straps. I want a new exhaust on the car anyway - I may just have to throw some more cash at this thing to get that done. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
I just finished doing what you are doing. First, cut the exhaust in a straight area in front of the diff. Mine were welded like yours. I had a muffler shop make 2 six inch sections to slip over the cut sections and used clamps to clamp them back together; it worked great. Definately remove the diff with the crossmember! Mine came out rather easily. I used a prybar and pried each side a little at a time until the unit came down. Depending on which jack you use the cross member helps to balance the diff on the jack until you get it out from under the car. I installed mine with no help from anyone during the reassembly process. Good luck with your repair!
Bernie
Bernie
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 826
Likes: 0
From: Pearl MS
I was thinking about doing that very same thing with the pipes (splicing them) until I saved enough penies to pay for the new exhaust. Maybe the kids can get me a set of headers for fathers day? 
Using the cross member to balance the diff is a great idea. I have a pretty decent jack - so I should be able to control it.
Using the cross member to balance the diff is a great idea. I have a pretty decent jack - so I should be able to control it.
