HD Differential Cover
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,386
Likes: 2
From: San Angelo TX
HD Differential Cover
Well, I recieved my new HD rear end cover and I must say it's a definate improvement over the worn out stock piece. My question is, do I have to remove the entire pumpkin to replace the cover or can I do it with the differential still installed under the car? Will the rear cross member be in the way?
I will already have the rear spring removed since I'm replacing it.
I will already have the rear spring removed since I'm replacing it.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Nanty Glo PA
In the end it would be easier and beneficial for you to remove the differential AND crossmember to put the new HD cover on.
The HD cover doesn't fit well with the crossmember. They usually need to be ground a good bit to fit right. This is something that needs to fit squarely together with out forcing it or leaving it ****-eyed.
You will also be able to work on it easier when you have it on the bench or floor in front of you rather than under the car. When you reinstall, put the x-member/diff. assembly on a floor jack and carefully roll it under the car and lift it up and into place.
I did the entire rear end of my 76 myself. Take your time and be careful....
The HD cover doesn't fit well with the crossmember. They usually need to be ground a good bit to fit right. This is something that needs to fit squarely together with out forcing it or leaving it ****-eyed.
You will also be able to work on it easier when you have it on the bench or floor in front of you rather than under the car. When you reinstall, put the x-member/diff. assembly on a floor jack and carefully roll it under the car and lift it up and into place.
I did the entire rear end of my 76 myself. Take your time and be careful....
.
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
Likes: 384
From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
In the end it would be easier and beneficial for you to remove the differential AND crossmember to put the new HD cover on.
The HD cover doesn't fit well with the crossmember. They usually need to be ground a good bit to fit right. This is something that needs to fit squarely together with out forcing it or leaving it ****-eyed.
You will also be able to work on it easier when you have it on the bench or floor in front of you rather than under the car. When you reinstall, put the x-member/diff. assembly on a floor jack and carefully roll it under the car and lift it up and into place.
I did the entire rear end of my 76 myself. Take your time and be careful....
The HD cover doesn't fit well with the crossmember. They usually need to be ground a good bit to fit right. This is something that needs to fit squarely together with out forcing it or leaving it ****-eyed.
You will also be able to work on it easier when you have it on the bench or floor in front of you rather than under the car. When you reinstall, put the x-member/diff. assembly on a floor jack and carefully roll it under the car and lift it up and into place.
I did the entire rear end of my 76 myself. Take your time and be careful....
I put a HD cover on my 79 & there was no adjustment necessary anywhere. Everything fit as before.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,135
Likes: 3,939
From: Connecticut, USA
Bric is correct, many of the covers require slight radius grinding to fit the cross member. Not a big deal but you should check the fit first. You can see what I mean by going to my threads on diff for a look.
While it is possible to install it in the car I highly recommend you remove it. The CM bushings are not cheap and many do not need replacement. Check them for cracking and slop, if you don't find any then leave them alone, Check the diff seals and yoke endplay though.
While it is possible to install it in the car I highly recommend you remove it. The CM bushings are not cheap and many do not need replacement. Check them for cracking and slop, if you don't find any then leave them alone, Check the diff seals and yoke endplay though.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Newfane NY
For the pre-mid 77 years, the springs are 2 1/4 "wide and 77 1/2 to 79 had 2 1/2" springs (steel units)
My 77 cover was also broke and I'm in the rear rebuild process... (while I'm at it...
)
As stated, be carefull and be safe
My 77 cover was also broke and I'm in the rear rebuild process... (while I'm at it...
)As stated, be carefull and be safe
