C-Beam question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Canton GA
C-Beam question
I've finally gotten around to removing the rear 2 bolts from the c-beam, and was trying to take it out, but... I think it's been smashed or something! 
When I get directly underneath the side that goes against the body, it is bowed out... making it impossible for me to get it off the diff. Are they all like this?! I'm at the point where I just wanna take my 4 1/2 cutter and cut the sucker in pieces to get it off...
I've got the drive shaft off already... someone please tell me a trick to this!!
When I get directly underneath the side that goes against the body, it is bowed out... making it impossible for me to get it off the diff. Are they all like this?! I'm at the point where I just wanna take my 4 1/2 cutter and cut the sucker in pieces to get it off...
I've got the drive shaft off already... someone please tell me a trick to this!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 2
From: Albuquerque NM
Originally Posted by Thrak
I've finally gotten around to removing the rear 2 bolts from the c-beam, and was trying to take it out, but... I think it's been smashed or something!
When I get directly underneath the side that goes against the body, it is bowed out... making it impossible for me to get it off the diff. Are they all like this?! I'm at the point where I just wanna take my 4 1/2 cutter and cut the sucker in pieces to get it off...
I've got the drive shaft off already... someone please tell me a trick to this!!
When I get directly underneath the side that goes against the body, it is bowed out... making it impossible for me to get it off the diff. Are they all like this?! I'm at the point where I just wanna take my 4 1/2 cutter and cut the sucker in pieces to get it off...
I've got the drive shaft off already... someone please tell me a trick to this!!
LOL it ain't that bad...unless you need another C-Beam
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Support the tranny with a jack stand or jack. If you don't, you will most likely do some damage as the engine and tranny will rotate when the C-beam is disconnected. I assume you already removed the exhaust system. Remove the four bolts that attach the c-beam to the tranny and dif, you can move the tranny up and down to loosen the bolts. The OEM nuts on top of the tranny are a PITA to remove and you will see the big benifit of BEAM PLATES. Once the bolts are out, you can push the beam forward enough to allow removal. Don't worry about the bowing that looks like it was in a wreck, it's part of the design.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Canton GA
Ahh!! Yeah I've got the exhaust off, and the bolts already, I've got a scissor jack under the trans and did move it up and down to help remove the bolts.
Why do I need a jack under the diff? Dont the batwings hold it in place?
So, it being bowed out is part of the design? I didnt try to move it forward or back... I'll give that a shot today. Thanks!
Why do I need a jack under the diff? Dont the batwings hold it in place?
So, it being bowed out is part of the design? I didnt try to move it forward or back... I'll give that a shot today. Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,726
Likes: 46
From: Waukesha WI
St. Jude Donor '15
Originally Posted by Thrak
Ahh!! Yeah I've got the exhaust off, and the bolts already, I've got a scissor jack under the trans and did move it up and down to help remove the bolts.
Why do I need a jack under the diff? Dont the batwings hold it in place?
So, it being bowed out is part of the design? I didnt try to move it forward or back... I'll give that a shot today. Thanks!
Why do I need a jack under the diff? Dont the batwings hold it in place?
So, it being bowed out is part of the design? I didnt try to move it forward or back... I'll give that a shot today. Thanks!
Yup...moving it around from front to back is the key. I never but a jack under the diff - unless your bushings are completely shot it should stay in place. It may be a good idea to have one near by to help align things when re-installing tho.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 2
I remember that I had to move the C beam to the back , then to the side and back to the front to remove it.
Just be carefull not to let it hang and damage the rear brake line that crosses from side to side. It is fairly easy to damage that.
By the way, there is a clip that holds this brake line to the c beam, be sure to remove it also!
Just be carefull not to let it hang and damage the rear brake line that crosses from side to side. It is fairly easy to damage that.
By the way, there is a clip that holds this brake line to the c beam, be sure to remove it also!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 12,772
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis IN
Originally Posted by REDC4CORVETTE
Don't forget to support the trans and rearend .
A jack stand under the trans and a jack under the diff so you can jack it up and down to remove the bolts and bash it to the rear.
A jack stand under the trans and a jack under the diff so you can jack it up and down to remove the bolts and bash it to the rear.
Wiggle the bolts while moving the jack up and down a little.
7th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I just put it back on my 90 and using a hydralic jack on the tranny is a help. By raising or lowering the tranny you can get a good alignment between it and the diff. and it should come apart and go back fairly easy.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Originally Posted by Thrak
I've finally gotten around to removing the rear 2 bolts from the c-beam, and was trying to take it out, but... I think it's been smashed or something!
When I get directly underneath the side that goes against the body, it is bowed out... making it impossible for me to get it off the diff. Are they all like this?!
When I get directly underneath the side that goes against the body, it is bowed out... making it impossible for me to get it off the diff. Are they all like this?!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Canton GA
Oh YEAH it does! The "trusses" are bowed OUT... in your pic, the trusses would be bowed up... Dang, that sux... I may end up having to cut it!
When (if) I get it off, I'll take a pic and post it up.
When (if) I get it off, I'll take a pic and post it up.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Canton GA
Ok, I think I'm going to cut it... I've tried moving it forward or backward for 3 days now, and that sucker has only moved about 1/2" .... Its jammed up on the diff somehow. I've used jacks to move it up and down but it isnt helping. It moves pretty freely on the tranny side though.
ARGH! I just dont understand how that could be messed up, and the floor of the car be ok...
ARGH! I just dont understand how that could be messed up, and the floor of the car be ok...
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 7
From: Lahaina Hi
Hit it with a hammer dead center of the brace .
Bang it foward and hit it center again.
You are only working with a 1/2 clearence not a few inches.
I have a drive shaft loop on mine and I know you have the clearence.
I have seen some of the braces glued in so keep tring.
I do use an air hammer on mine.
If you can just get the top of the trans off a little then it is like a puzzle to get it out ,but the trans does have to be moved to the drivers side.
If you are having that much problem removing it,support the engine and remove the pass side motor mount and slide the motor with it but be careful the dist does not get crushed.
Worst comes down remokve the rearend.
Bang it foward and hit it center again.
You are only working with a 1/2 clearence not a few inches.
I have a drive shaft loop on mine and I know you have the clearence.
I have seen some of the braces glued in so keep tring.
I do use an air hammer on mine.
If you can just get the top of the trans off a little then it is like a puzzle to get it out ,but the trans does have to be moved to the drivers side.
If you are having that much problem removing it,support the engine and remove the pass side motor mount and slide the motor with it but be careful the dist does not get crushed.
Worst comes down remokve the rearend.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
Can you get a pic of this c-beam. I am inclined to say it isn't messed up, as the 1/2" of movement seems about right.
If you want, I can PM you my number and I'll try to talk you through my method while you do it.
For your knowledge:
1) Transmission lowered (obviously attatched to the bellhousing and such)
2) Slide Differential end of the C-beam at basically a 35* angle or whatever, you get the idea, up and onto as far of the diff as you can.
3) Now that top ear of the C-beam is sitting on the corner of the diff, basically you are going to be rotating on that point as you push upward trying to get the top of the C-beam to slide further and further onto the diff
4) Push the tranny side of teh c-beam so it is on the correct side of the tranny as well
5) Take a long hammer or bar and gently pry against the c-beam side of the transmission and the floor (carefully!) this should be very very slightly pushing the tranny towards the driver's side of the car.
6) While maintaining pressure against that tranny try to push both up and towards the rear of the car (mostly up) on the tranny end of the C-beam
The c-beam should slide along that side of the transmission and into place. If you aren't cussing and grunting, you aren't doing it right!
Hope that helps!
If you want, I can PM you my number and I'll try to talk you through my method while you do it.
For your knowledge:
1) Transmission lowered (obviously attatched to the bellhousing and such)
2) Slide Differential end of the C-beam at basically a 35* angle or whatever, you get the idea, up and onto as far of the diff as you can.
3) Now that top ear of the C-beam is sitting on the corner of the diff, basically you are going to be rotating on that point as you push upward trying to get the top of the C-beam to slide further and further onto the diff
4) Push the tranny side of teh c-beam so it is on the correct side of the tranny as well
5) Take a long hammer or bar and gently pry against the c-beam side of the transmission and the floor (carefully!) this should be very very slightly pushing the tranny towards the driver's side of the car.
6) While maintaining pressure against that tranny try to push both up and towards the rear of the car (mostly up) on the tranny end of the C-beam
The c-beam should slide along that side of the transmission and into place. If you aren't cussing and grunting, you aren't doing it right!
Hope that helps!