Replacing Differential, Pictures

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Apr 24, 2008 | 11:05 PM

BritewhiteC3

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 140

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From: Tulsa OK

Replacing Differential, Pictures

Today is day 1 on my differential swap. Replacing my leaking, bad stub axles, clunking 3.08 with a rebuilt Duntov 3.55.

So far things went well. Dropped the exhaust system, disconnected short shafts, drive shaft and struts. Pulled the end bolts off the spring and dropped the diff and spring as a unit.

With help from a mechanical friend ( no Vette experience ) we had the diff out in about 2 hours.

Tomorrow pulling off the trailing arms.

Expect the new diff Tue / Wed
Hope the project continues to go smooth

Apr 24, 2008 | 11:10 PM

Durango_Boy

Team Owner

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 24,125

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From: Columbia Missouri

Are you going to rebuild the trailing arms yourself, or are you having them rebuilt? Maybe new ones?

Apr 24, 2008 | 11:16 PM

BritewhiteC3

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Feb 2008

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From: Tulsa OK

Were gonna attempt it. Have access to a press and my friend is very good, I'm not sure if I would have tried the diff without his help.

Apr 25, 2008 | 12:28 AM

Van Steel

Premium Supporting Vendor

Joined: May 2000

Posts: 4,312

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From: Clearwater FL

I would pop the x-member out that attaches to the top of the diff and install it on the cover before you put it back in. I would also install the driveshaft and put it back in as 1 unit. Remove the spring too. You'll remove 30+ lbs.

Apr 25, 2008 | 08:24 AM

LiveandLetDrive

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 3,000

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From: Boulder Creek California

Hopefully you know you're going to need a lot more than a press to rebuild trailing arms! Specialty tools involved. If this is news to you, you should probably look into someone like the author of the post above mine.

How did you get the diff off the crossmember? I've only seen them dropped out as a unit. I thought the bolts on top were inaccessible unless you cut a hole in your "trunk"?

Apr 25, 2008 | 12:17 PM

BritewhiteC3

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 140

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From: Tulsa OK

Thanks for your replys,Of course the diff was pulled with the crossmember attached, it's been removed for cleaning and painting.

Trailing Arm Rebuild

I 'm not sure what "Specialty tools" are required? Micrometers and dial indicators ( not sure I would consider specialty )

I'm using CF member GTR1999's rebuild write-up.

Seems to be a doable project.

VanSteel why "Iwould also install the driveshaft and put it back in as 1 unit." Have not thought of that...

Apr 25, 2008 | 06:00 PM

427-390

Drifting

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 1,425

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From: Seattle Wash.

Just a safety note:

If you haven't done this yet, chalk up the front wheels so the car won't accidently slip off the jack stands.

Apr 26, 2008 | 09:29 PM

ikwhite

Pro

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 733

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From: Coquitlam British Columbia

TA bearing rebuild specialty tools?

I think what he meant by specialty tools is at a minimum the "setup tool".

You use this tool when replacing the TA rear inside bearing and have to setup the preload using shims to .015 - .002, it is used in order to save you from having to press the bearing on and off the spindle and ruin it in the process.There is actually another three or four tools that can be be used as well when replacing the rear TA bearings that you may or may not need or want. I liked the spindle install tool as this made pulling the spindle into the housing and through the bearings a cake walk for me, but you can press it all on if you so desire. The spindle thread knocker was also a valuable tool to have which would allow you to press on the end of the spindle without damaging the threads.

Hope this helps