1976 Side yoke replacement
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
1976 Side yoke replacement
Checked the rear end today while installing a set of tires on the rear...and there is a LOT of play (in and out at the top of the wheel). I see that the play is all coming from the yokes that enter the side of the rear end. I understand that these are parts that are prone to wear and tear, and a set of these is really pretty reasonable...but I'm curious how hard are they to replace? Looks like they are held on by a large C-clip inside of the rear end, but I'm just wondering if these parts can be replaced without fully disassembling the rear. Any pearls of wisdom on replacing these?
Deja
Deja
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
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From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
You've got to pull the differenetial out. there is a snap ring on the end of the axle. If you have a lot of wear, it's also possible that the side gear clearance is too much and you'll need not only axles, but need to shim the side gears.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
thegazman
I had the same problem. It's a lot of work to replace the yoke c-clip, but you will notice your car will be a lot more stable of curves and handle better. If there's any doubt about the groves where the c-clip goes on the side yokes, replace the yokes with new ones. You don't want to have to do the job twice. Also, the seals where the side yokes go into the differential are easy to replace and don't cost that much. You don't have to pull the differential, just the rear spring and differential cover.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
I had the same problem. It's a lot of work to replace the yoke c-clip, but you will notice your car will be a lot more stable of curves and handle better. If there's any doubt about the groves where the c-clip goes on the side yokes, replace the yokes with new ones. You don't want to have to do the job twice. Also, the seals where the side yokes go into the differential are easy to replace and don't cost that much. You don't have to pull the differential, just the rear spring and differential cover.
When you say it's "a lot of work"....do you mean by taking the stuff off to get at it, or the actual C-Clip removal itself? I've not tackled anything in the rear end before, so it's a little on the "uncharted waters" territory. Any special tools needed, or useful advice that you might suggest? I need all the help I can get! Deja
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
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From: Forked River NJ
I would recomend just removingthe whole pumpkin. If you are taking off the back cover and the yokes out it is just a matter of removing the front yokes straps from the driveshaft and the front mount. That would be the easiest to remove. Having the whole pumpkin out in the open makes it a lot easier to work on. I have had mine out many times over the years and would not want to do the work with it in the car. Yes the c clips can be a little annoying to get in/out but it is doable. Also if you have to hit the yokes out due to them being mushromed over it is going to be a lot easier with it out in the open. Removing the rear will allow you to clean up some other things under there also. Just don't get caught up in the while I'm in here I might as well do this, before long the body is off. 
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Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Gary....The forums rear end builder gave me this advice when I refurbished my rearend last week. The yoke should have in the .180-.190 range from the snap ring to the end. If it's under .180 then I wouldn't use it again. If it is good the only other problem is the posi.
MY advice is to take the rear end out. you take the snap rings off with a 90 angle SR pliers about medium size. IMO cheap yokes are cheap and that is why you are taking it apart. My original 1979 yokes wore away past the snap rings in less than 50K miles on my car.
MY advice is to take the rear end out. you take the snap rings off with a 90 angle SR pliers about medium size. IMO cheap yokes are cheap and that is why you are taking it apart. My original 1979 yokes wore away past the snap rings in less than 50K miles on my car.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
I'm frightened to see what lurks under the rear end cover, since the "slop" in the yokes feels like maybe 1/2" in and out on the left side, and maybe a little less than that on the right side. 
Guess it's going to be replacement time....with a nice set of heavy duty axles. But it will have to wait until I get the 454 put in, along with the transmission, andthe front end rebuild. If it's not one thing....it's about 40 others!
Deja
Guess it's going to be replacement time....with a nice set of heavy duty axles. But it will have to wait until I get the 454 put in, along with the transmission, andthe front end rebuild. If it's not one thing....it's about 40 others! Deja
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
And the whole replacement of these parts looks like a royal PITA, but you gotta do what you gotta do...(insert soft sobbing noises and thumb suckling sounds here). Chalk that up on my "honey do" list!! Deja
