C3 Rear Suspension Assembly
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Joined: Dec 2003
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C3 Rear Suspension Assembly
Hi All,
Been a while since I have been on here, but I wonder if any of you could help.
I have a 1980 C3 and about 4 years ago we stripped the rear end down due to the brakes burning up and failing at over 100 mph.
Finally I have the resources to put the back together but have a problem.
The Vin # is 1Z878AS428889
When I look at the 1980 Factory Manual it does not look the same as the parts that we have from it originally.
Can anyone advise whether the rear ends were different from a 79 to an 80? Just in case the vehicle is a 79 but registered in 80?
Can anyone provide exploded diagrams for both so we can compare.
Your helps would be much appreciated.
Many thanks.
Best wishes,
John
Been a while since I have been on here, but I wonder if any of you could help.
I have a 1980 C3 and about 4 years ago we stripped the rear end down due to the brakes burning up and failing at over 100 mph.
Finally I have the resources to put the back together but have a problem.
The Vin # is 1Z878AS428889
When I look at the 1980 Factory Manual it does not look the same as the parts that we have from it originally.
Can anyone advise whether the rear ends were different from a 79 to an 80? Just in case the vehicle is a 79 but registered in 80?
Can anyone provide exploded diagrams for both so we can compare.
Your helps would be much appreciated.
Many thanks.
Best wishes,
John
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
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From: Forked River NJ
Yes the 79 and 80 rear ends are very different. The 79 used an iron pumpkin and the 80 and 81 used an aluminum Dana rear. Also the mounting is different. The 80 used and aluminum bat wing. I don't have any pictures but they are quite different.
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In my ignorance what is an Iron Pumpkin and an Aluminium Bat Wing?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Brazos TX
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Go to Paragon's web site and download their catalog. They have good diagrams of each style. http://paragonreproductions.com/
This is a forum members car with a C4 rear end that is similar to the 80-82 rear end
and here is a 3D model of the 79 and earlier style.
This is a forum members car with a C4 rear end that is similar to the 80-82 rear end
and here is a 3D model of the 79 and earlier style.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Good pictures above. The bat wingyou can see in the upper picture. It mounts to the frame and mounts the rear to the bat wing. It is what hold the rear pumpkin to the frame. The iron pumpkin refers to the 79 and earlier center section. This is what holds all the gears. It is the center section. The 80-82 cars were aluminum and were weaker units than the older iron units.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,841
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From: Inver Grove Minnesota
This is a pre 80 rear end, from the work on my 78.
This is what it looks like out of the car.
Another way to tell is a pre 80 rear end will be rusted and 80 or above won't be since it is alum.
This is what it looks like out of the car.
Another way to tell is a pre 80 rear end will be rusted and 80 or above won't be since it is alum.
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