C2 differential removal problem

[Ed S.]

In the process of removing the differential from my 64 for a rebuild. I am down to the drive shaft, the mounting bracket and of course the dreaded sombrero bushings. I ran into a problem with the removal of the mounting bracket. I removed the front bolt and lower cushion. I also removed the two short bolts that are on either side of the bracket towards the front. I have completely unscrewed the long bolt at the rear of the bracket. But..... when I pull it out (or attempt to) the bold head hits up against the fiberglass jack well - I cannot get the bolt completely out. It appears that I need to get it out about a 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch more but the head won't clear the fiberglass body. See the attached pics

According to the shop manual and numerous "how to" articles on various websites this bracket should be able to be removed without dropping the diff & the cross member the diff is bolted to. I pushed the bold back through to measure the amount of threads I have to determine if by chance a PO installed an incorrect - longer - bolt; not the case, I have less than an inch of threads, about enough to put the nut & washer on.

I think I can get the drive shaft off - I have all the universal bolts off but haven't moved it forward to drop yet.

I suppose I could just go to the last step - drop the cross member that is held in with the bolt & sombrero's but I am puzzled as to why I can't slide this bolt out.

Note that the bolt was inserted from the driver's side - most illustrations show it being inserted from the passenger side - but that shouldn't make a difference because the clearance between the diff & the fiberglass tool wells are the same on both sides.

Thoughts? I have considered cutting the bold and replacing it with a new one.

[Alan D.]

Re: C2 differential removal problem

Well - nothing wrong here! And yes the direction of bolt is opposite that shown in the AIM. Remember that the mechanical assembly was done before body drop so no problem (& bracket on before rear attached) So you could drop the frame support, sombrero.

Mine was replaced sometime in late 60's so not being aware of the future drilled a small hole in fiberglass to get out. Since repaired and really tuff to see (do not tell anyone)

[Bob R.]

Re: C2 differential removal problem

You can't remove that bolt without damaging the fiberglass just leave that bracket attached to the rear and drop it as one unit with the rear end.

[Ed S.]

Re: C2 differential removal problem

Alan,
Thanks for the quick reply and sanity check. With your explanation I will proceed to (attempt) to remove the drive shaft and drop the cross member a few inches - using temporary replacement long bolts to go through the sombrero bushings - when it drops down I should be able to remove the bold easily.

It surprises me that instructions in the shop manual and other references are to remove the bracket - easier said than done. Thanks again. BTW - when I reassemble the bolt will be installed from the correct side.

[Ed S.]

Re: C2 differential removal problem

Bob,

Thanks for the sanity check - will do.

[Donald O.]

Re: C2 differential removal problem

Ed,
When I have done them, I unscrew the original sombrero attaching bolts just one or one and a half revolutions. For persuasion I use a 6' pry bar. You'll hear a thunk when each side releases from the sombrero. I then put a floor jack under the pumpkin, remove the bolts and lower the diff. and cross member as a unit. Then remove the cross member, and remove the front bracket.
Install I just reverse the procedure, but I don't need the pry bar.

Don

[Ed S.]

Re: C2 differential removal problem

Don,
Thanks, your advice confirms what I have learned from internet research and others. The steps you describe are on the agenda for tomorrow. I can hardly wait

[Gary R.]

Re: C2 differential removal problem

Ed
I bought this at Harbor Freight 12 years ago, worth every penny and I am NOT a fan of Chinese tools.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 differential removal problem

Don,
Thanks, your advice confirms what I have learned from internet research and others. The steps you describe are on the agenda for tomorrow. I can hardly wait

Ed------


If the crossmember has been in place (i.e. not removed) for a long time, you are going to need a VERY long and stout pry bar to separate the crossmember cushions from the "sombrero" brackets.

[Ed S.]

Re: C2 differential removal problem

Ed------


If the crossmember has been in place (i.e. not removed) for a long time, you are going to need a VERY long and stout pry bar to separate the crossmember cushions from the "sombrero" brackets.

Joe - I was prepared for that - good news, after soaking them with penetrating oil for a few days I was able to pop them off with a 30 inch crow bar. I replaced the original 1.5 inch fasteners with 3 inch bolts like many suggested. The strange thing is that one side came off as expected - the sombrero bushing came down with the cross member - not so on the other side -the cross member came down without the bushing - it is still on the car - soaking. I can move it some but it has yet to come down - may have to cut it away. Thanks you and others that have provided advice on this project - I'm am having more fun than a card carrying senior citizen is legally authorized to enjoy!