Broken Diff Cover
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 585
Likes: 0
From: Royal Oak MI
Broken Differential Cover
Helo,
Didn't want to start this again, but I put 72 up for winter to do some detail on back suspension and planed on replacing spring and noticed nubs broke on diff cover.
I researched all of the threads on this issue, and spring replacement procedures,(and there were many) but I do not think I got a clear understanding if it is possible to replace the cover without droping diff.
Thanks
Didn't want to start this again, but I put 72 up for winter to do some detail on back suspension and planed on replacing spring and noticed nubs broke on diff cover.
I researched all of the threads on this issue, and spring replacement procedures,(and there were many) but I do not think I got a clear understanding if it is possible to replace the cover without droping diff.
Thanks
Last edited by 72-LT1; Dec 2, 2004 at 04:21 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 585
Likes: 0
From: Royal Oak MI
So you were able to get the cover off, did you take off the cross member and cover in one piece?, I know it will be tight but I will give it a try.
Not allowed to spend any more money until Jan, since I just bought the car, But I am dropping tank as well and will start spraying the bolts
Not allowed to spend any more money until Jan, since I just bought the car, But I am dropping tank as well and will start spraying the bolts
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
Yep all as one peice. Crossmember can be a pain in the *** sometimes because of the bushings pressed into the frame
Bry
EDIT: Just saw it was a '72, mines a '77 but im almost positive its the same. Someone correct me if I'm wrong
Bry
EDIT: Just saw it was a '72, mines a '77 but im almost positive its the same. Someone correct me if I'm wrong
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Get the car high enough on the jackstands - you'll need another jack to support the differential...
Then be careful with the spring - use c-clamps so that the jack (yes, another jack) won't slip... once the spring is removed unbolt the cover from the differential (place a drip pan under it) and loosen the crossmember bolts so that can be lowered...
You'll regret using jackstands that are too low, don't buy the $12.99 2ton jackstands from Delco (I have these, these are not high enough and flimsy) ... get at least the 4ton ...
It's not that big of a PITA ... it's a nice weekend job...
Then be careful with the spring - use c-clamps so that the jack (yes, another jack) won't slip... once the spring is removed unbolt the cover from the differential (place a drip pan under it) and loosen the crossmember bolts so that can be lowered...
You'll regret using jackstands that are too low, don't buy the $12.99 2ton jackstands from Delco (I have these, these are not high enough and flimsy) ... get at least the 4ton ...
It's not that big of a PITA ... it's a nice weekend job...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by Bryan8412_2
Why the jack under the diff? I didn't do this, hope i didn't bend anything 
Bry
Bry
Just as a precaution, the differential is only held in place by the front bushing and bolt after the cover is unbolted.... ok, it's also connected to the driveshafts... but better be safe than sorry...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 3,987
From: Connecticut, USA
You can do it on the car but it's harder in my opinion. The differential will be supported only by the front bushing which isn't enough. Check your side yokes too as this is a good time to check them for endplay.
Good luck,
Gary
Good luck,
Gary
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,997
Likes: 1
From: WAY DEEP INSIDE AMERICO,YES YOU LIVE HERE TO!! TX
Originally Posted by gtr1999
You can do it on the car but it's harder in my opinion. The differential will be supported only by the front bushing which isn't enough. Check your side yokes too as this is a good time to check them for endplay.
Good luck,
Gary
Good luck,
Gary
