Diferential yoke snapring replacement

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Jun 25, 2019 | 08:46 PM

H8 mondays

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From: Sparks NV

Diferential yoke snapring replacement

Just a little back round I am replacing trailing arm bushings and wheel bearings in my 76 when removing right trailing arm I pulled on the half shaft and had no movement when i removed the other trailing arm i did the same pull on the other half shaft and got about .100" movement out of the side yoke. My best guess at this point is ether the snap ring fell off or was never installed. Since i have the strut rods and spring off of the trailing arms i think this is the right time to remove the rear diff cover and replace the missing snap ring as well as drill and tap a drain hole in the case. Can the rear cover be removed in the car or do i need to remove the drive shaft and drop the diff as well I was hoping I can support the diff case and drop the cross member and unbolt the cover. Thanks

Phil

Jun 25, 2019 | 09:07 PM

GTR1999

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From: Connecticut, USA

If your axles are original 76s then they are soft faced and worn most likely. Snap rings don't usually fall off if correctly installed. You are better off removing the diff and checking it. Look to see if the axle has hit the seal lip yet.

Jun 25, 2019 | 11:53 PM

ronarndt

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From: Catlett VA

H8- I just did this repair about two months ago. I took the entire diff off to get the cover plate removed. Because of the location of two of the top cover plate bolts, it is almost impossible to remove the cover plate with the diff fastened to the cross member. You would have to do everything by feel or with a mirror. My snap ring was off and lying in the bottom of the diff case. It's not a real fun job, but if you have a lift or really tall jack stands you can get it done in a weekend. Biggest problem for me was the exhaust pipes were in the way and were welded into one piece from manifold to tailpipe. I made a cut in front of the rear axles and removed the pipes and mufflers, them replaced them using those stainless steel band clamps when the work on the diff was finished. One final tip- courtesy of DUB: do NOT completely tighten the four bolts holding the spring to the diff cover when re-assembling. Tighten partially, then put the car's weight on wheels to help compress the spring. Otherwise the diff cover will crack.

Jun 26, 2019 | 07:48 PM

H8 mondays

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From: Sparks NV

Well looks like the diff will come out this weekend as will the saw as my exhaust is full welded from the manifolds to the exhaust tips. Thanks for the info Ronarndt and GTR1999

Phil

Jun 26, 2019 | 10:09 PM

GTR1999

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From: Connecticut, USA

If you like I can send you links with info on what to look for in a iron diff. If you are going to remove it you will want to check a few things so you know what is good or bad.

Jun 26, 2019 | 11:18 PM

ronarndt

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From: Catlett VA

H8- do a search for DUB's description on removing/replacing the differential. He has done it many times and has some pointers to save time and avoid mistakes........including how to properly install the snap ring so it does not come off again. Good luck getting this done. Keep us posted on your progress.

Jun 26, 2019 | 11:35 PM

H8 mondays

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From: Sparks NV

GTR1999 that would be great any info i can get will help me I am sure. ronarndt I will look up Dub's post and see what i can find any short cuts that keep from making major mistakes is a plus in my book. Thanks again for the info.

Phil