Differential Installation with Body On

[James W.]

I'm getting ready to reinstall my '65's the differential, the body is on the frame. I plan to bolt the differential cross member to the differential and install the same way I removed it, leaving the bolts "loose" while installing the front bracket cushion. My questions are; should the front differential bracket be bolted on the differential prior to installing the cross member/differential assembly or should/can it be installed after the differential is in place. Also, does the front bracket cushion need to be in place prior to installation of the differential?

What type of lube is okay for the diff. cross member rubber "sombreros" that won't degrade the rubber?

Thanks,

James

[Gary B.]

[Patrick B.]

Re: Differential Installation with Body On

I use old lead based anti-seeze. I have had the crossmember off several times over 30 years with no visible effect on the rubber sombreros.

[Michael M.]

Re: Differential Installation with Body On

I have removed and replaced the differential in my 68 several times with the body on. I always installed the front mounting bracket along with the front "snubber" bushing after it was mounted in the vehicle. Was not difficult at all.

[Joseph S.]

Re: Differential Installation with Body On

James, You should have the front bracket on the Diff before installing. In 63-67 cars the Storage boxes interfere with removal and installation of the long through bolts. You will not be able to install them once the Diff is up in place.

[James W.]

Re: Differential Installation with Body On

Thanks Joe. I was kind of thinking that's the way it should be reassembled.

James

James, You should have the front bracket on the Diff before installing. In 63-67 cars the Storage boxes interfere with removal and installation of the long through bolts. You will not be able to install them once the Diff is up in place.

[Joseph S.]

Re: Differential Installation with Body On

James, I don't know if it matters but in the AIM the bolts are drawn a specific way. Now, that being said, my engineering mind comes out and I always pose the argument that in a drawing, items can only be drawn 1 way. Even if the bolt can go either way it will be shown a certain direction. My education taught us that if the direction was critical it should be noted in the drawing. Otherwise direction is optional.

So, just for lack of argument, I usually install bolts as shown in the drawing. But we do have several instances where the installation in the REAL WORLD does not agree with the AIM. The most common is the front air dam on 68-72 cars. Most all original cars are reversed compared to the AIM.

Sorry for the long winded explanation. Joe

[James W.]

Re: Differential Installation with Body On

Joe,

I follow the '65 AIM for reassembly.

Before my family owned this car prior to 1975, someone decided that they needed to remove one of the front bracket bolts with the differential still in the car. Their repair was to waud some duct seal in the hole. I repaired it last fall.

James

[Gary R.]

Re: Differential Installation with Body On

James remember to add the oil and additive before installing- good job

[Michael G.]

Re: Differential Installation with Body On

The AIM was drawn long before the assembly plant got involved. Plants typically did what they felt was best for assembly (or what the union wanted).

[James W.]

Re: Differential Installation with Body On

Gary,

I filled it on Sunday afternoon. Just waiting on some suspension parts to come back from the plating shop and then I will be ready to install the differential. Thanks again for all of you fantastic work.

James

James remember to add the oil and additive before installing- good job

[Mark E.]

Re: Differential Installation with Body On

The AIM was drawn long before the assembly plant got involved. Plants typically did what they felt was best for assembly (or what the union wanted).

That's silly. You'd think AIM would reflect input from the initial builds. And why does AIM have drawings instead of photos? The latter would better represent reality and be easier to create. Imagine all of the drafting hours put into those drawings.