c3 half shafts install issues

[Mark B.]

Is there a technique to installing the half shafts? I raised the trailing arms to ride height but I can't get the u joint from differential side to fit in place. I am doing this by myself does it matter?

[Gary S.]

Re: c3 half shafts install issues

If you have a small jack, put a cushion (rolled up towel or something similar) under part of the suspension, shock mount or similar, and gently jack it up. Once the angle of the half shaft isn't so severe, it will be easier to rotate the brake. In addition, a long handled screw driver, inserted about 2" into the cooling vents of the brake rotor will give additional leverage to rotate the half shaft and its respective mount.

[Dan H.]

Re: c3 half shafts install issues

Have you rotated the wheel adjustment rods outward to provide clearance?

[Mark B.]

Re: c3 half shafts install issues

I can slide the half shafts into the area, I am just having issues of getting the u joints in place on the differential. do you guys remove the caps on the u joint

[Michael G.]

Re: c3 half shafts install issues

If you are saying the two caps will not sit flush in the diffs cradles, then you may have one of the needle bearings in the u-joint lying down inside the cap preventing the cap from resting fully on the u-joint.

[Mark B.]

Re: c3 half shafts install issues

If I get the u joint sitting nicely and I can't get the other end to flange up. It's hitting the cotter pin or castle nut. You have to set the u joint first correct?

[Michael G.]

Re: c3 half shafts install issues

If you can get one end seated, then the other will not seat, are you saying its because of the nut and cotter pin from the differential flange? Or is it that you are coming up short to set the other end? Is the strut rod connected at both points? If not, you will need to connect and adjust to draw the control arm closer to the diff. in order to seat the joint. Yhe second end of drive shaft should not be interfering with the nut and cotter pin.

[Mark B.]

Re: c3 half shafts install issues

The strut rods are connected, If I try to install the U joint onto the diiferential and try to raise the other end, it's hitting something which I believe is either the cotter pin, castle nut or the bolt. I have the trailing arm horizontal, just baffled? How do you adjust to move the trailing arm out a little bit? I would need to adjust 1/16- 3/16" out

[Michael G.]

Re: c3 half shafts install issues

The inner mount of the strut rod has a cam as part of the mounting bolt. Loosen bolt and rotate. With the control arm horizontal you should see the end of the control arm move in and out as you rotate that bolt. This should give you the distance you require.

[Ralph E.]

Re: c3 half shafts install issues

Mark,
My I suggest you connect the differential end of the half shafts first, the connect the other end at the trailing arm. It is a little easier to move the T/A with some prying.

[Mark B.]

Re: c3 half shafts install issues

Mike, when you say loosen the bolt. Does clockwise bring it in and loosening them brings them out?

[Michael G.]

Re: c3 half shafts install issues

The inner strut mount bolt has a nut at the end. Loosen the nut on this bolt and then rotate this loosened bolt and watch as it changes the position of the end of the control arm. There is no limiter on this cam bolt so you can rotate completely. As you rotate it will move the control arm in one direction and then the next continuously as you continue to rotate this bolt. If we are lookim for more space, rotate bolt until you see it stop moving in the outward direction. This should solve your issue.

[Michael G.]

Re: c3 half shafts install issues

Signing off till morning. I'll check back with you then.

[Mark B.]

Re: c3 half shafts install issues

Mike, I loosed that nut that is facing the gas tank by the leaf spring. When I turn it counter clock wise i don't see anything happening. Do you use a pry bar and force move the trailing arm out. The trailing arm is not in the horizontal position at this time. Am i just missing something or am i just stupid.

[Michael G.]

Re: c3 half shafts install issues

No Mark, this can be tricky. You may just want to attempt to pry the control arm outward as Gary suggested. Especially if you are only 1/16 or so shy of your goal. This will require more than just your two hands so either recruit assistance or be very careful if you choose to include your foot.