need to change differential cover
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,731
Likes: 15
need to change differential cover
I pulled the spare tire carrier to inspect the tank and rear frame section. To my shock both lower tabs on the diff cover are broken. What is the best way to change the cover? Pump as much fluid as possible out, remove the bolts at the spring ends, drop cross member, remove spring bolts, remove top crossmember bolts, remove cover, replace gasket, put new cover on, replace top cross member bolts, replace spring bolts in diff, replace spring bolts on ends, replace fluid.
Am I missing any tricks or musts when doing?
Am I missing any tricks or musts when doing?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
It might be tricky getting to the upper mount bolts on the diff. And watch the length of the spring bolts that go into the rear cover. Sometimes they are different lengths front to rear.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,731
Likes: 15
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I have a nice dated 1974 rear cover in perfect condition available. $100 you cover shipping. Comes with all stock bolts for xmember and spring. Everything is perfect.
Last edited by 63mako; Aug 27, 2017 at 02:41 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,731
Likes: 15
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Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
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From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
The differential is out of a 1974 and date coded. The cover looks to be an over the counter GM piece with no date code. I will include spring plate, still has visible GM label. Spring is 2 1/4. Looks like the last guy had the same issue you had and bought a new cover, bolts and spring plate. If you want it my Paypal is kevindjensen@sbcglobal.net I will cover fees if you don't feel comfortable sending Paypal friends and family.
Last edited by 63mako; Aug 27, 2017 at 05:21 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I pulled the spare tire carrier to inspect the tank and rear frame section. To my shock both lower tabs on the diff cover are broken. What is the best way to change the cover? Pump as much fluid as possible out, remove the bolts at the spring ends, drop cross member, remove spring bolts, remove top crossmember bolts, remove cover, replace gasket, put new cover on, replace top cross member bolts, replace spring bolts in diff, replace spring bolts on ends, replace fluid.
Am I missing any tricks or musts when doing?
Am I missing any tricks or musts when doing?
Last edited by 63mako; Aug 27, 2017 at 05:35 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Did some more research. This is a GM service replacement cover. It requires the spacer kit ($12) if used with the 2 1/4 spring. You can see it here, last item and in the diagram.
https://www.paragoncorvette.com/c-23...eaf-mount.aspx
They do use a smaller diameter bolt I am including so more meat on the outer mount area. Vent is in cover as well.
https://www.paragoncorvette.com/c-23...eaf-mount.aspx
They do use a smaller diameter bolt I am including so more meat on the outer mount area. Vent is in cover as well.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
It is a nice cover, no pitting. Packed up with vent, spring plate, spring bolts and crossmember to cover bolts. USPS Priority mail with $120 insurance. tracking #9405803699300499261258
Thank you!
Thank you!
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Paragon photo in above link shows 7/16 flat washers against spring plate. There were no flat washers on this so you will have to get some.
Last edited by 63mako; Sep 1, 2017 at 10:28 PM.
Instructor
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 196
Likes: 16
From: Rancho Santa Margarita CA
Post up a thread on how this install comes along. I am procrastinating it even though I have the parts already. Would love to hear "finished it in a day", "Pretty straightforward" or "weekend project" 
Pics along the way would be awesome.
Pics along the way would be awesome.