Trying to remove half-shafts from Diff yoke...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 156
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From: Oakdale Ct
Trying to remove half-shafts from Diff yoke...
Chassis Disassembly has been going real well, but this has me stumped. I have the nuts off, but the darn thing seems seized up pretty good. I have searched the archives but can only find U-Joint removal. Anybody have a good idea on how to get these off? I didnt want to bang on it too hard because I figured it would put too much stress on the c-clips on the yokes in the diff..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,529
Likes: 27
From: Auburndale Florida
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
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If you can remove the flange bolts on the 1/2 shafts on the TA's that should give you some room for the shatfts to move outwards. The shafts are part of the 3 point setup. A brass drift along with a hammer might be enough persuassion to break it loose..... remove the U bolts and the universal junts should fall off the differential yokes....best of luck
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 423
Likes: 3
From: New Port Richey, FL
I just installed my new half shafts, and had it helped to remove the rear spring and shocks from the trailing arms. This gave me alot of slop to remove and reinstall with the trailing arms hanging way down
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Originally Posted by onaqwst
just cut the u-bolt with a dremel/grinder..... buy new ones......
I rotated the shaft to a point where the nut was close to the differential. I backed off on the nut until it hit the differential and kept turning it. Using it to press the strap out along with some PB. The U-bolts are fairly snug. The U-bolt basically has to be worked out equally on both sides.
I wouldn't even consider reusing those old ones again if you get them out in one piece. Now that I own a dremel, I find it very useful for little odd jobs.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
If they are bound up from being out of the car a strong enuf pry bar should get them loose, is it possible that the shaft of the u-bolts are rusted to the bore of the yoke, have you tried spraying some bust rust or similiar snake oil in there to free em up, I guess if all else fails you could saw themoff one way or the other,,,,Peace,,,Moosie 
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 156
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From: Oakdale Ct
I guess sometimes the easiest answer is right under my nose and I dont even know it. Both my dremel and 4 1/2" angle grinder have been real handy on this project... never thought to use it on these. I'll give her a shot and let everyone know how it works with a picture or two. Thanks everyone!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 156
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From: Oakdale Ct
A couple quick cuts and its out like butter. Since this picture was taken, I cut the remaining ends flush and was able to tap to of the studs out, but the remaining two dont want to budge. I guess I have to carefully drill them out. Also note in this pic that the spring mount on the diff cover is broke, same on the other side. Just a few of the many worms in the big old can I have opened up!
Last edited by BigE; Nov 3, 2006 at 09:58 AM.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
If you can gut the close to the side yoke, I would do that and get a punch and use that to pop them out the other side. Broken diff covers are very common. Invest in a new HD cover and when it comes time to install the spring, install the bolts kind of like you lug nuts. A little bit at a time.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 6
From: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario
I had a lot of stubborn bolts to remove when I dissassembled my suspension components. The best tool was the torch. Be careful with it and just apply just enough heat in the right places. Once heated, the hammer and punch will knock things apart.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 851
Likes: 10
From: Palm City, FL
Originally Posted by Van Steel
If you can gut the close to the side yoke, I would do that and get a punch and use that to pop them out the other side. Broken diff covers are very common. Invest in a new HD cover and when it comes time to install the spring, install the bolts kind of like you lug nuts. A little bit at a time.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 156
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From: Oakdale Ct
Here is a better picture of the damage.. I'm not an expert, but I'm thinking there isnt enough material there with all the stress that spring imposes. The HD cover I believe goes straight up without curving in.. so the "tabs" (for lack of a better word) which you see here arent there to break.... Please, somebody who knows more about this chime in...
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
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From: Clearwater FL
Originally Posted by genuine1980
I have mine down right now... Mine isn't broken and I dont have any rust... BUT how often do they really break? And what on the cover breaks. And How? I would hat to put everything back together and then later have it break and have to tear it all apart again.
80-82 cars are different. You don't really have to woory about the cover breaking. Just stripping the threads.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
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From: Clearwater FL
Originally Posted by BigE
Here is a better picture of the damage.. I'm not an expert, but I'm thinking there isnt enough material there with all the stress that spring imposes. The HD cover I believe goes straight up without curving in.. so the "tabs" (for lack of a better word) which you see here arent there to break.... Please, somebody who knows more about this chime in...
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...&SubGroup=1502
