Trailing arm or differential
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 124
Likes: 29
From: Poconos
11/21/25 I have the trailing arms removed. Bushings were in bad shape but on closer inspection the wheel bearings are bad, really bad on left side.
Getting ready to remove the differential. I have the drive shaft universal joint bolts out and I marked the shaft on each end.
Before I remove the differential is there anything I should be noting first? As I see it the rebuilt unit will just bolt back in place. Or are there some angle dimensions or anything I should make note of?
Best.
Getting ready to remove the differential. I have the drive shaft universal joint bolts out and I marked the shaft on each end.
Before I remove the differential is there anything I should be noting first? As I see it the rebuilt unit will just bolt back in place. Or are there some angle dimensions or anything I should make note of?
Best.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 1,956
From: Temple Terrace Florida
Also, support the differential. it is really heavy. I remove the bolts holding the differential crossmember and install longer bolts with washers so you can pry on the mounts and pop them off. The longer bolts will capture the crossmember. Good luck. Jerry
Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 8,031
Likes: 4,387
From: Marlton NJ
It seems pulling the diff crossmember can be very challenging at times. Only 2 bolts. Remove them, add 1" longer ones. The bushings rust / weld them selves to the sombrero cups often. Lots of pb blaster rust spray. Apply weight or puller pressure. Wait overnight. Tighten puller again. Repeat. Do not use crowbar on crossmember like I did. It bends. Keep the two ends level until both are loose.
It weighs about 110# with the crossmember on it
It weighs about 110# with the crossmember on it
Pro
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 506
Likes: 300
From: Western N.C.
I recently removed my diff and X members. Good idea on longer bolts. I loosened my bolts but did not remove, then a little prying on each end and it dropped onto the loosened bolts. Of course I supported the assembly with a HF transmission jack.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,414
Likes: 126
From: Mequon WI
Update on progress: Trailing arms and differential are out. I took them to V-Tech in Rockford il. Gary, respectfully is booked to far out. One TA is rusted and will be replaced. The other has a bad bearing, race and spindle which will be replaced. Total rebuild on both. Differential has not been looked at yet.
While waiting i am cleaning and painting all the metal parts: crossmember, half shafts, drive shaft etc.
Before I disassemble the strut assembly, I marked where the cams are located thinging I will need to reassemble with the cams in at least appros=ximatly the same location before taking it in for a complete alignment. I used a couple dabs of white paint but I don't think these marks will survive the future handling, painting etc. Before i take it apart, is there a better way to mark these?
Thanks
Jim
While waiting i am cleaning and painting all the metal parts: crossmember, half shafts, drive shaft etc.
Before I disassemble the strut assembly, I marked where the cams are located thinging I will need to reassemble with the cams in at least appros=ximatly the same location before taking it in for a complete alignment. I used a couple dabs of white paint but I don't think these marks will survive the future handling, painting etc. Before i take it apart, is there a better way to mark these?
Thanks
Jim
