1965 C2 Side Yoke Question
I own a 1965 C2 Corvette Convertible that has multiple differential leaks. One is from the pinion gear. Another is from the side yoke connecting the differential to the passenger side half shaft. My specific question is can the side yoke be removed from the car to repair the seal WITHOUT removal of the entire differential assembly from the car?
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Re: 1965 C2 Side Yoke Question
I suppose it can, but I don't recommend that approach.
The diff is held in by the front bracket and rear cover. You need to remove the rear cover, then reach in and remove the axle snap rings, and remove the axles, then pry out the seal. That is theory, real life is different- like you split the cover and nasty gear oil falls all over you and the floor. I just took about an original 63 diff and the skunks in the yard smell better than the remaining oil in the diff.
Then you have to hope there is not a burr on the end of the axle to hold it in place, so you have to drive it out.
Yes, it's possible but not practical. You're better off removing the diff from the car. Mount it on an engine stand, remove the cover, drain out the oil, remove the snap rings, axles, and seals. Wipe down the posi case and spray it with brake cleaner and look for cracks in the radius of the large window, 65-68 Eaton posi's weren't that good and prone to cracking.
For the pinion seal you can mark the nut, yoke, and pinion or the best way is to use a 0-30 in/lb dial TW to check it before and after the seal install. You don't want to over crush the sleeve as it will be too tight, if too loose the pinion will crash rearward into the posi case. If you ever see a posi with what looks like a uniform gear cut on the OD of the posi, that's why.
Check the Ring Gear bolts and if any are loose, remove one at time, clean the bolt and hole and use Loctite #271 or #272, torque to 60 ft/lb/
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