Lagonia

I decided to rebuild mine for training. I will be replacing bearings and seals and go through the rebuild process. I am not replacing any internals. Got the parts in - next is sandblasting, priming and painting the pumpkin and new cover.

Lagonia

The case is ready:
- Cleaned it in a hot aqueous parts cleaner
- Dulled all the internal sharp edges and chased on the threads
- Sandblasted it
- Cleaned it again in the parts cleaner
- 3 coats of epoxy primer
- 3 coats of engine enamel

Lagonia

Carrier assembly next - all internal parts are cleaned:

Lagonia

Well, I ran into a problem right off the bat. I cannot install the inner pinion bearing race. I had such a hard time attempting to taking the old one out I had to cut it out. Putting the new one in was a no go - mind you, I have done bearing race replacement countless times - there seems to be an issue with the case.

I used my micrometer to get some measurements. The outer race diameter is exactly 3.2500" and the race hole is about 3.2443" giving an interference fit of 0.0057" which I think is too high - I would expect something in the neighborhood of 0.001 / 0.002. My options are to bore the race hole out another 2 - 4 thou. Don't have a mill but may be that's the excuse I need to get one....

So, I am putting this on hold and turning my attention to the trailing arms. I need to rebuild them - but first - remove them - in a different thread.

Lagonia

The last two weeks I was trying to get another core to rebuild using Craigslist and eBay - I located 3 of them, one $350 that the seller could not get off the car due to rain storms the last two weeks, another one for $490 and one for $1000(!) - what tha!! - talking about used, unknown quantity units that have been in carcasses (literally!) for years in fields.

I kept working the original case carefully sanding and inspecting the bore and finally(!) I was able to install the pinion inner bearing race! This project is back on.

C3 4ME

I hadn't clicked on this thread in the past, but am glad I did. I too have a 79, and my diff needs attention. I've looked at all your pics, and read all of Gary's advice, as i know he's the expert. I'll continue to keep up and watch your progress. I wish I had a shop as well equipped as you!

Lagonia

Posi-carrier is assembled - clutchpack, pinion gears, spider gears, springs - next the ring gear and then start measuring schtuff.

croaker

Lagonia

Ring gear installed - ARP bolts, red locktite - torqued to 30 - 45 - 60lbs (final) in a criss-cross patern