Rear diff removal
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 26
From: Winchester VA
Cruise-In V Veteran
Rear diff removal
This is for an 85, D44, should be pretty much the same as others though.
I took my rear out a couple of years ago and was doing a few other things at the time so I removed pretty much everything.
I just need the diff out this time and I was wondering if it can be removed with the batwing/cover still in the car?
Basically, can you disconnect the d-shaft and axleshafts, c-beam then remove the cover bolts and pull it forward?
My memory says yes, but that does not work well for me most of the time. I will see tomorrow what Helms says as I eagerly await delivery
I took my rear out a couple of years ago and was doing a few other things at the time so I removed pretty much everything.
I just need the diff out this time and I was wondering if it can be removed with the batwing/cover still in the car?
Basically, can you disconnect the d-shaft and axleshafts, c-beam then remove the cover bolts and pull it forward?
My memory says yes, but that does not work well for me most of the time. I will see tomorrow what Helms says as I eagerly await delivery
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Not sure. It would be quick if you don't have to remove the halfshafts... I'm thinking if you remove the straps they'll come out of the diff as you pull it forward. There should be enough clearance from the storage bins to pull the diff forward a few inches.
I also would question if it's a good idea to leave the rear spring loaded on the batwing, if it will try to pull the batwing up in back and possibly bend it. The spring isn't loaded much though with the wheels at full droop, I can actually start threading the lowering nuts on by hand without compressing the spring.
Just remember you can't set the car down without the halfshafts hooked up to the diff.
I also would question if it's a good idea to leave the rear spring loaded on the batwing, if it will try to pull the batwing up in back and possibly bend it. The spring isn't loaded much though with the wheels at full droop, I can actually start threading the lowering nuts on by hand without compressing the spring.
Just remember you can't set the car down without the halfshafts hooked up to the diff.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 7
Cruise-In II Veteran
While it could be done,I dont suggest that.Im not sure exactly what youre going to do when youre done,but its far easier to remove it as a whole unit and then easier to reseal the unit with it out of the car.
I found it pretty easy to drop it out of the car with no problems as a complete unit.Its abit more stuff to remove but youll be able to reseal the rear end so much easier with no fuss.
Just keep that in mind,since they dont use gaskets but RTV style sealer to mate the carrier to the batwing.
I found it pretty easy to drop it out of the car with no problems as a complete unit.Its abit more stuff to remove but youll be able to reseal the rear end so much easier with no fuss.
Just keep that in mind,since they dont use gaskets but RTV style sealer to mate the carrier to the batwing.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Hudson OH
Rear End Removal / gear change
I'm thiinking of swapping my 2:56 gears for something in the mid 3's on my '88 automatic. Never done it before. Is it best to remove the differential from the car or can it be done in place?
When you say remove the entire unit, what does that incude? Half shafts and all?
John
When you say remove the entire unit, what does that incude? Half shafts and all?
John
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
It goes something like this, only backwards. Yes you have to pull the diff out to swap gears.
You don't even have to remove the wheels, but I did anyways.
You don't even have to remove the wheels, but I did anyways.
Last edited by CentralCoaster; Apr 1, 2006 at 10:06 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 6,341
Likes: 1
From: Shelton CT
Originally Posted by CentralCoaster
It goes something like this, only backwards. Yes you have to pull the diff out to swap gears.
You don't even have to remove the wheels, but I did anyways. If you leave them on, you can't remove them until the diff's back in.
You don't even have to remove the wheels, but I did anyways. If you leave them on, you can't remove them until the diff's back in.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
St. Jude Donor '10
Originally Posted by CentralCoaster
It goes something like this, only backwards. Yes you have to pull the diff out to swap gears.
You don't even have to remove the wheels, but I did anyways. If you leave them on, you can't remove them until the diff's back in.
You don't even have to remove the wheels, but I did anyways. If you leave them on, you can't remove them until the diff's back in.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Originally Posted by byebyeL98
Very cool, Kevin!! 
(Where are the action shots of you throwing tools and cursing??
)
(Where are the action shots of you throwing tools and cursing??
)
