Agree with Rich, I would also think about replacing the old straps, bolts and nuts. This way you know you have good hardware going in. 
Half-Shaft Installation
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 699
Likes: 3
From: Millersville, MD
Half-Shaft Installation
OK, I have new half-shafts complete with flange and spicer u-joints already attached. Is it as simple as removing the old and installing the new? Any tricks or suggestions prior to removal and installation? I'm curious about tq settings and things to know before I take on this project...
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Clayton North Carolina
It's not that difficult as long as you take your time and work safe. Some suggestions would be to mark your strut rod camber setting, as you will need to turn this to push yourTrailing arm out to allow the clearance to drop the half shaft Pretty straight forward after that. Check your manual for torque specs on the bolts. If you do not have one PM me and i'll look them up for you.
good luck
Mark
good luck
Mark
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Falls Church Virginia
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
Just did mine.
No need to remove anything but the half shafts.
Put the back up on jack stands under the frame. Remove the french locks and bolts on the hub. Then remove the caps on the differental side. You should be able to remove the inside of the half shaft from the diferential if you get the orientation right. If not, turn it 90 degrees and you'll see how it comes out.
Dont remember torque spec, but they're in the manual.
Oh yeah, and using new french locks is a good idea.
No need to remove anything but the half shafts.
Put the back up on jack stands under the frame. Remove the french locks and bolts on the hub. Then remove the caps on the differental side. You should be able to remove the inside of the half shaft from the diferential if you get the orientation right. If not, turn it 90 degrees and you'll see how it comes out.
Dont remember torque spec, but they're in the manual.
Oh yeah, and using new french locks is a good idea.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 699
Likes: 3
From: Millersville, MD
Just did mine.
No need to remove anything but the half shafts.
Put the back up on jack stands under the frame. Remove the french locks and bolts on the hub. Then remove the caps on the differental side. You should be able to remove the inside of the half shaft from the diferential if you get the orientation right. If not, turn it 90 degrees and you'll see how it comes out.
Dont remember torque spec, but they're in the manual.
Oh yeah, and using new french locks is a good idea.
No need to remove anything but the half shafts.
Put the back up on jack stands under the frame. Remove the french locks and bolts on the hub. Then remove the caps on the differental side. You should be able to remove the inside of the half shaft from the diferential if you get the orientation right. If not, turn it 90 degrees and you'll see how it comes out.
Dont remember torque spec, but they're in the manual.
Oh yeah, and using new french locks is a good idea.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
I replaced the u-joints and camber rod on my 75. I had pre checked several of the tire shops to find out if they knew how to do a rear wheel alignment. I found one that met my satisfaction. I asked them how they adjust the rear, and when the person told me they need to put shims in the rear trailing arm I knew I was on the right track.
I also replaced one of the trailing arms, that is why I needed the shims. If you dont need a toe-in or toe-out adjustment, and just need the camber, then most shops should be capable of that. It is pretty easy.
KDF
I also replaced one of the trailing arms, that is why I needed the shims. If you dont need a toe-in or toe-out adjustment, and just need the camber, then most shops should be capable of that. It is pretty easy.
KDF
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 492
Likes: 3
From: Temecula CA
There is a good thread somewhere in the archives about doing a rear wheel alignment at home with simple tools. I read over some old threads recently, and some say 75 lbs and some say 90 lbs for the torque spec. I did 75 with the french locks and feel pretty confident with the security of the assembly. I just did this because I had previously assembled the half shafts with only lock washers and thread locker. BAD IDEA, as all the bolts had worked loose in the two years and about 6000 miles since I did the job!
Temvette72
Temvette72
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 699
Likes: 3
From: Millersville, MD
Yea, that is a good idea....lol. It looks like I'll need to order new french locks and check the strut rod bushings. Guess this project will wait a little bit until warmer and funds are available again. Not to mention, finding a professional to do the rearend alignment. Thanks for all the help...I'll be back at this post again when ready...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 805
Likes: 5
From: Naperville Illinois
--Duntov Motors has a step-by-step at-home alignment procedure on their web site. I am going to try it when I put my '68 rear back together here shortly.
--If you decide to go with adjustable strut rods, you can buy heim joint rod-ends and pre-threaded tubing from just about any racing parts house, many of them sell on E-bay. You will have to make or buy spacers as the heim joints are not as wide as the stock strut rod ends, but you will get better handling for a much cheaper price. I have seen a couple threads on this topic on the Forum.
--Each french lock will lock two bolt heads, so a car set is four.
Good luck!
--If you decide to go with adjustable strut rods, you can buy heim joint rod-ends and pre-threaded tubing from just about any racing parts house, many of them sell on E-bay. You will have to make or buy spacers as the heim joints are not as wide as the stock strut rod ends, but you will get better handling for a much cheaper price. I have seen a couple threads on this topic on the Forum.
--Each french lock will lock two bolt heads, so a car set is four.
Good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Pittsfield, Ohio
I had the same issue, With new grade 8 nyloc nuts I did the german spec.. Gudntight
I couldn't get my torq. wrench in there either.
If you try that duntov alignment, good luck. I read the damn thing at least 10 times and can't make sence of a couple things that were worded unclearly (which were important steps). Pictures of the measurements and the geometry points could have saved a thousand words on that sheet.
I'm still looking for a better (clearer) version if anyone has one...
I couldn't get my torq. wrench in there either. If you try that duntov alignment, good luck. I read the damn thing at least 10 times and can't make sence of a couple things that were worded unclearly (which were important steps). Pictures of the measurements and the geometry points could have saved a thousand words on that sheet.
I'm still looking for a better (clearer) version if anyone has one...
Last edited by 2armor; Apr 9, 2009 at 02:11 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
Maybe with the stub axle out? Just feel 'em in. Go in a criss cross pattern and gradually torque them down. 15 lbs isn't much.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 699
Likes: 3
From: Millersville, MD
I will say they actually were easier to install then remove for me. I suppose I will just guesstimate on 15 ft lbs. I'm trying to locate a french lock since I destroyed one of them last night. I never did have to remove or adjust the strut rod during this process. Although any rear sway bar has to be disconnected for the trailing arm to move so that you can remove the half shaft. I also recommend stainless steel french locks which are apparently stronger. I wish I knew this earlier. Gary (GTR) helped me out quite a bit. It was fun doing it and I learned a couple of things. Think I'll do strut rods next but probably will wait seeings how I have not even started her up this year yet. I'm also in the process of installing BB 1.6 Roller Rockers and Studs.
Last edited by Vette79C3; Apr 9, 2009 at 01:04 PM.