c-3 differential
What is the easiest way to remove the rear end ? The car will be up on 2x10 stands under the tires. I followed the service manual the last time I had it out and that was a battle. The rear end developed a leak and I am going to do the job when it warms up a bit.
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Re: c-3 differential
James-----
The best and only practical way to remove the differential carrier from the car is to remove it complete with the supporting crossmember. This necessitates first removal of most of the rear suspension (except trailing arms).
Then, remove the bolt on either side which fastens the crossmember cushion to the "sombrero" brackets on the frame. When you do this, the crossmember will not usually come down, but be careful to support the carrier if you happen to get lucky (but, you won't usually get lucky). Next, install longer bolts so that when the cushions finally do separate from the "sombrero" brackets, the whole thing won't fall to the floor.
Next comes the hard part---getting the cushions free of the sombrero brackets. To do this you need to wedge a LONG, STOUT pry bar between the removable cross member and the frame and pry like hell until it comes loose. The bar will need to be at least 5 feet long so you can get maximum leverage and you can almost bet it's going to be a struggle.
Finally, support the carrier in a home-made cradle on top of a floor jack, remove the bolts, and lower everything to the floor.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: c-3 differential
Hey Joe thanks for replying. I looked at that cross member the first time I removed it and said to myself no the manual is always right and it was a disaster from there on out. Your method sounds good but what about re-installation, what kind of torque do I need to apply to seat new bushings? By the way, really enjoyed that "trivia" question you posted earlier this week.Comment
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Re: c-3 differential
James
I use a Harbor Freight Chinese sissors jack to install vette diff's. I hate to admit it but this chinese jack works very well for this. It will hold the diff in place while you torque the bolts in place. One man job.
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Re: c-3 differential
Gary------
Don't tell me you do this without the crossmember attached? I presume you're just showing it here without the crossmember to make it clearer.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: c-3 differential
James------
It's no problem, at all, to seat the new cushions. They only come out with difficulty; they re-install easily. Just press the whole assembly upward with a jack and the cushions will seat right into the "sombrero" brackets. Then, draw tight the 7/16" bolts and torque to 60 lb/ft.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: c-3 differential
Thanks guys, that jack looks like a good idea, those differentials get heavy laying on your back. I just have to get up the energy to do the job now. Maybe I can coax my 16 year old to do it with my coaching, he's a lot more flexible.Comment
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Re: c-3 differential
I have removed and installed many diff and NEVER taken out the cross member, no problem, in fact I am currently putting my 67 diff back in. just me but not that hard and see no reason to mess with cross-member.
however, to each his own to do what works best for them
Michael
70 Mulsanne Blue LT-1
03 Electron Blue Z06Comment
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Re: c-3 differential
I have removed and installed many diff and NEVER taken out the cross member, no problem, in fact I am currently putting my 67 diff back in. just me but not that hard and see no reason to mess with cross-member. however, to each his own to do what works best for them
Michael-------
How do you access the 4 bolts that retain the differential carrier to the crossmember without removing the crossmember?In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: c-3 differential
That's correct, I bolt up the crossmember to the diff first,along with the rod bracket, and front bracket.Comment
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Re: c-3 differential
You can cut out the floor board like many did during the 60-80's. Not the approach I take but it will access the 4 bolts.Comment
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