Dropping the rear
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Dropping the rear
I wanted to drop the rear diff out of my 73. Everything else (t-arms etc) are out being redone and I figure, I've gone this far and might as well get everything else done.
My question, I loosed the two bolts that hold rear cross piece that the diff bolts to. Unbolted the driveshaft and loosened it from the front of the diff, and unbolted the bolt at the center (bottom) of the diff.
Should drop out right? It seems to be held where the bolts go into the frame...I can even take the bolts out and other than a 1/4 of an inch, it isn't moving.
I must be missing something and any help would be appreciated...
Thanks!
My question, I loosed the two bolts that hold rear cross piece that the diff bolts to. Unbolted the driveshaft and loosened it from the front of the diff, and unbolted the bolt at the center (bottom) of the diff.
Should drop out right? It seems to be held where the bolts go into the frame...I can even take the bolts out and other than a 1/4 of an inch, it isn't moving.
I must be missing something and any help would be appreciated...
Thanks!
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 627
Likes: 1
From: Naperville IL
Those crossmember bushings are known to stick pretty good. Once you take those 2 bolts out, thread them back in 1/2" or so, then use a gear puller to pop it off. The jaws go on the crossmember and the center screw pushes on the bolt head. Once its free you can take the bolts back out and lower it down.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: NorCal 71 Lt-1
some have used the puller and others a long prybar. i used a ball joint tool (pickle fork) wedged between the frame and x-member, a couple of solid hits with a hammer on the fork to drop the diff. support the diff with a jack and the (2) backed off x-member bolts as suggested by chris73 & stroker 
. be careful not to hit the body. good luck!
. be careful not to hit the body. good luck!
