I've got a 78 L-82 4-speed, 86K

I'm just a dumb USAF flyer by trade and this is my first time jumping into mechanical work.

I've got a leak in the differential carrier rear seal, and I took the spare tire carrier out, dropped the exhaust system and now I've got better access and a good view at what I'm dealing with.

Seems complicated with all the transaxle, drive shaft etc just to get to the differential. My initial thoughts were that I would try and do the work with a Chilton's manual and prayer, but now I'm thinking I should take it to the Chevy dealer.

Is this something a novice can do with patience and a bit of research and careful study? or is it too easy to screw things up ?

As I look under there, and especially after removing the spare tire carrier and exhaust, I see there's also lots of surface rust, and I find myself thinking I should replace sway bar bushings, rear spring bolts/bushings etc... while I've gotten this far...or is this also something I should just let alone?

I guess deep down, I'd like to give the "do-it-yourself path" a chance, but I also fear that maybe I should stick to flying and leave the mechanical work to the crew chiefs?

Anythoughts? Think I can do this?

 

Welcome to the forum!

You may be surprised at the amount of work you can do on your own. This forum is a great resource and can help out a lot.

That being said, if you are looking at a differential rebuild and this is your first experience it would probably be better to have someone else do it.
If you are just talking about the gasket around the back plate of the differential, that shouldn't be too difficult. Books and forum help should get you through it so long as you have the facilities for it. (garage, jacks, etc...)

If you're interested in everything that goes into totally rebuilding a differential, a forum member who rebuilds them recently did a full writeup here.
(There is actually a tech paper that goes with that thread.)

The only thing I would advise caution about is what is often referred to around here as "While I'm at it" syndrome. More than one person started with a small job and wound up tearing half the car apart. Not because they had to but while they were at it might as well...

Take care and good luck!

 

If you need a rear differential rebuild (hard to tell based on your info) it's not for the inexperienced. I'd take it to a shop but not a Chevy dealer. Ask around & find a shop in your area that has a good, solid reputation. With a good shop manual you can remove the differential yourself- just pay close attention, take pics as you progress, & label all bolts/nuts. Good luck.

 

I agree with Les and welcome in (this from a new guy)
You might concider removing the rear end and taking it to get done while you do the bushings, springs, shoks and all the cleanup under there. There is plenty to do and like the guys said there is a lot to know for rebuilding a rear end for a first timer. You will be amazed at what you canget done with parts and time and a little help from your friends.
Good Luck

 

IMO, you can probably handle removal and replacement of the diff. and perhaps let someone experienced handle the actual rebuild itself. There aren't any special tools needed to get everything out...

good luck

 

You would be best off looking at a complete overhaul,if you go the distance of removing the rear end and then pulling the front yoke to get the seal changed...Now is the time.
Sent you a PM.

Jim

 

Hey if you can fly or work on a plane you can rebuild your car.

I do these for forum guys so if you have any questions, I'll help you out.

Check this post, it's one I've been running and adding to as I go along. It should help you understand a lot of what goes on in there.

Good luck


http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1236684

 

I wasn't thinking about doing the differential rebuild myself, mostly just contemplating dropping the rear end and taking it to someone to go through it, the gears, seals, etc. The actual rebuild is beyond my capability - I'll leave that to dedicated crew chiefs

My concern was the removal process, and then once the differential was removed, it appears (naive) that I can remove the rear spring to clean it up, replace bushings as well as removing the transaxle's and cleaning those up/replace U-Joints, and also replace the rear shocks when I'm under there.

It always sounds good in a 1-G environment, but I don't want to become the fourth worthless thing to an aviator

Swede

 

I had a small clunk in my 112,000 mile 72 rear end. I thought "Hey, I can fix this". put it up on stands and removed the same parts as you did. The Rear had a little play, the strut rod bushings had a little play the trailing arm bushings had a little play, the spindle assemblies had a little play, The whole thing had minor surface rust. So I removed the parts and sent the trailing arms and differential to Chicago Corvette to be rebuilt. Once the rear end was removed I could see everything so I started cleaning. Decided to drop the gas tank to get better access. Cleaned, wire brushed, blasted and refinished everything from the trans crossmember back using an assemby manual, NCRS Judging manual to get the finishes right, and a Chilton's. Got the parts back along with about another $1000 worth of fasteners, clamps, bushings, Ect. Reassembled it all. Looked like a new car from the crossmember back. Now my nice original car looked 30+ years old from the crossmember forward. Can't have that! To make a long story short, It cost me hundreds of hours over 3 years and over $10,000 out of pocket. It snowballed!!! Once I was done from the crossmember forward I had to do the engine compartment. When that was done my interior that was real nice, didn't look so nice anymore. IT IS AN ADDICTION!! OR COMPULTION OR INSANITY!! The work is able to be done by anyone with basic tools and mechanical aptitude and a Chilton's. Don't go there! Have your minor leak fixed by a competent mechanic that you trust and drive and enjoy your car. If you are an Air Force Pilot you probably know a good AF mechanic you trust that would like to tinker with the vette. Wish I would have removed the body once it progessed to a certain point.