Differential swap question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 975
Likes: 108
From: Phoenix, AZ
Differential swap question
Looking to rebuild diff, and saw one advertised. His: from a 1970, big block and auto transmission. Mine: 69 small block, manual transmission. Realize the stub axles are too big as welll as the mount from driveline.
My question is, is it relatively painless to swap these piece to make it work on my car? The operating assumption is the one for sale was professionally rebuilt.
My question is, is it relatively painless to swap these piece to make it work on my car? The operating assumption is the one for sale was professionally rebuilt.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,692
Likes: 2,572
There should be no issue. If you check any of the vendors who sell complete units they are not specific as to whether big block or small block or automatic or manual. There may be a difference in the side yokes but you can make the appropriate changes to make it compatible.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,317
Likes: 111
From: St Louis MO
The side yokes (stub axles) may differ by having either a u-bolt or a strap retainer, but each will attach to the same 1350 u-joint of the half shafts.
The driveshaft yoke may be either sized for the 1310 or the 1330 u-joint. If you have a mismatch, u-joints are commonly available to couple the 1310 and 1330 sizes.
You will have no problem.
The driveshaft yoke may be either sized for the 1310 or the 1330 u-joint. If you have a mismatch, u-joints are commonly available to couple the 1310 and 1330 sizes.
You will have no problem.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 975
Likes: 108
From: Phoenix, AZ
There should be no issue. If you check any of the vendors who sell complete units they are not specific as to whether big block or small block or automatic or manual. There may be a difference in the side yokes but you can make the appropriate changes to make it compatible.
The side yokes (stub axles) may differ by having either a u-bolt or a strap retainer, but each will attach to the same 1350 u-joint of the half shafts.
The driveshaft yoke may be either sized for the 1310 or the 1330 u-joint. If you have a mismatch, u-joints are commonly available to couple the 1310 and 1330 sizes.
You will have no problem.
The driveshaft yoke may be either sized for the 1310 or the 1330 u-joint. If you have a mismatch, u-joints are commonly available to couple the 1310 and 1330 sizes.
You will have no problem.
This forum rocks with folks like you helping me out
Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: Tulsa OK
Try this out, I did all the work myself. I have all the special tools for the carrier and the swing arms, too bad you don't live closer. OH, most of the work as my daughter helped a little 
http://www.428gto.com/l46/1969corvet...earrebuild.htm
http://www.428gto.com/l46/1969corvet...earrebuild.htm
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 33
From: Texas-out west
air tools NOT required, just make little easier, I have done many and only used air tools once, just finished putting mine back in without aid of air tools, jack, 2jack stands, and hand tools and that was it. good luck.
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 459
From: Lititz PA
I removed and installed mine twice without any special tools. Although, I used a cheap transmission jack to raise and lower the rear safely; it's heavy! The only difficult part was getting the cross-member to break away from the rubber mounts. My method for this was: I loosened the two bolts a few turns and let the weight of the rear end help to separate the mounts. Then I used a large screw driver to pry apart the mounts. Then used the trans jack to support the weight and then lower it down.
I suggest you call Van Steel and ask them about any special parts you need to do the swap. I like this method because you can always go back to your original differential.
John
I suggest you call Van Steel and ask them about any special parts you need to do the swap. I like this method because you can always go back to your original differential.
John
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 255
Likes: 3
Just swapped mine out thursday night. I purchased the rear here in this forum from a member. I did run into the frt driveshaft yoke was smaller then my original so I swapped them out. The only thing to watch there is that you dont over tighten the nut that would cause the crush spacer to change and then you loose the proper backlash on your gears. Shouldnt be an issue if you just dont over tighten the nut! As for tools it is easier with air tools but is not a must have. Good luck. What gearing are you going to?
Rodney
Rodney
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 975
Likes: 108
From: Phoenix, AZ
Just swapped mine out thursday night. I purchased the rear here in this forum from a member. I did run into the frt driveshaft yoke was smaller then my original so I swapped them out. The only thing to watch there is that you dont over tighten the nut that would cause the crush spacer to change and then you loose the proper backlash on your gears. Shouldnt be an issue if you just dont over tighten the nut! As for tools it is easier with air tools but is not a must have. Good luck. What gearing are you going to?
Rodney
Rodney
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,317
Likes: 111
From: St Louis MO
Removing the Cross member...
Here's an easy method:
With each sombrero bolt loosened about 1/8" (and of course, the rear wheels off), use 2 crow bars - place the ends on either side of the sombrero, one upside down, one right side up - and then pull up on one while pushing down on the other. This gives great leverage and even loading across the bushing. It will let go with a pop! Repeat on the other side.
With each sombrero bolt loosened about 1/8" (and of course, the rear wheels off), use 2 crow bars - place the ends on either side of the sombrero, one upside down, one right side up - and then pull up on one while pushing down on the other. This gives great leverage and even loading across the bushing. It will let go with a pop! Repeat on the other side.