C2: Can I dismount to differential unit this way?

[Hans R.]

My car is a -66 with powerglide transmission. I have a big play in the differential unit and need to take it out of the car to look it over. Normally you would loosen the spring to do this. But my car has a non-original exhaust system which is all welded and is located below the rear axel so the spring cannot be dismounted without removing the exhaust system. I would like to remove the differential without cutting up my exhaust system. I got a suggestion from a friend that you can remove the differential by just taking down the front part and leave the rear part, which attaches to the spring, in the car. Can anyone comment on this if it is possible and how hard it is to dismount/mount the differential this way. Hasse Ryden, Stockhom, Sweden.

[Stephen L.]

Re: C2: Can I dismount to differential unit this w

It MIGHT be a possibility.....
Check to see if:
1. You can access/remove all the diff housing bolts around the perimeter.

Remember, there are some across the top flange.
2. Remove both half shafts
3. Remove the front diff bracket bolts and bracket.

These things need to be removed anyway so just start with them and leave the exhaust to last if all else fails.......

[Jeremy Hedges]

Re: C2: Can I dismount to differential unit this w

I just removed my rear end from my '65 last week. I took the whole thing out, spring and all. But the service manual show you how to pull out just the front of the rear end. That is how they recommended it done in the the '63 service manual (which would be the same for a '66). It can be done.

Jeremy Hedges
#31711

[Joe R.]

Re: C2: Can I dismount to differential unit this w

Hans,

There is a possibility that it can be done but it would be better just to cut the exhaust and re-weld.

The problem will be with the weight of the rear end trying to get it thru the narrow space caused by the exhaust.

Good Luck!

JR

[Chuck R.]

Re: You can Hans

But I'll bet by the time you get the pumpkin out, you will have wished that you just went ahead and cut the pipes.

If you go this route, be sure to watch out for the differential wanting to roll up when you disconnect the snubber assembly.

Good luck,

Chuck

[frank mccracken]

Re: You can Hans

I have a Chiltons or Haynes service manual that recomends this method of removal so I would think it is possible. I have considered trying it as it seems that it might be good way to go, you would not have to disturb the spring or struts = less work altho re-installation may be a bit of a trick, alighning it up without damaging the gasket. With your situation, I would give it a try.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C2: Can I dismount to differential unit this w

An alternative is to loosen the exhaust at the transmission crossover, at the rear hangers, and also remove the rear valence panel. In that way your exhaust can drop down a fair amount, and you can remove the spring. By loosening the center spring bolts, disconnecting the ends of the spring, then slipping the spring out to the side it can be removed relatively easily. I have done this a couple of times on my 71 and 72, but those do not have the exhaust going through the rear panel. That's why you would have to remove yours.

I'd have to agree with the others that if I was going to go through the trouble of removing a differential I'd think seriously about cutting (and maybe replacing) the exhaust, but also think about replacing half shaft U-joints while you're in there, as well as strut rod bushings if they appear at all worn. Install new spring end rubber bushings too. You'll find that once you have it apart, you might as well do all you can.

Patrick

[Mike Cobine]

Re: You can Hans but it is harder

Some problems that arise are:
- getting the top bolts loose
- keeping dirt out during installation
- keeping the gasket secure during installation
- getting the top bolts tight

As others have said, cut the exhaust.