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Old Nov 21, 2018 | 01:06 PM
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Default Differential Covers

Is a 73 and a 79 cover interchangeable? In other words will a 79 cover match perfect with a 73?
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Old Nov 21, 2018 | 01:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Bloodzone
Is a 73 and a 79 cover interchangeable? In other words will a 79 cover match perfect with a 73?

match perfectly? no the rear spring width and spring mounting bolt size are both different
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Old Nov 21, 2018 | 01:24 PM
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match perfectly? no the rear spring width and spring mounting bolt size are both different
Thanks good to know. I'm switching my 79 to a 4.11 from a 73. Looks like I can just switch the covers if I have any spring problems. Not sure it makes any difference but I'm running a composite rear spring, not the factory 79.
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Old Nov 21, 2018 | 08:56 PM
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As Red said, the cover will bolt on no problem but the spring pad on the 63-77 is flat and uses 9/16 bolts. The 78-79 use 7/16 bolts and have a cast in pad.
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Old Nov 23, 2018 | 11:01 AM
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Thanks GTR.
I'll be replacing some rubber while the differential is out. Using this Van Steel kit.

One of my cross member bushings looks bad. The cross member looks recessed upwards on one side like the bushing is crushed.
I hope replacing it may help with right height. My car like many sits lower on one side.

Anyone have advice on what else can be done while differential is out?
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Old Nov 23, 2018 | 08:02 PM
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Replace front pinion snubber bumper/bushing at the front bracket if you haven't, check/rebush/replace the Strut arms if you haven't and then have your alignment checked and adjusted. Enjoy those 4.11 gears!!
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Old Nov 23, 2018 | 09:47 PM
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The diffs will bolt in, other then the covers spring mount which we covered. Changing the snubber bushing is a good idea- use only rubber no poly. If HP use then go to a solid mount and the plated for the crossmember bushings. Street use the rubber is ok.

Since you are replacing the covers you can tap a 1/4 npt hole in the housing and fit a magnetic drain plug. Locate 1.5" in from the strut rod bracket pad. Make sure you get all the chips out, use some grease on the bit.

Replace the hex head bolts in the bearing caps with socket heads. This is a simple $6 upgrade Torque to 60 ft/lb

Replace the ring gear bolts with ARP 230-3001, clean, use Loctite #271 red, torque to 60 ft/lb. You have to counter sink the flange holes for the bolts to fully seat, check it with a 001 feeler. Do one at a time.

Use new socket head cap screws for the cover, they're stronger then the grade 8 hex bolts. Torque to 60 ft/lb I coat both sides of the new gasket with Ultra gray.

I would have good or new spicer solid joints installed. MAKE SURE the clips are in place or the caps will walk off and fall out.
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