1977 broken rear spring & support arm

[Dusty Walker]

I'm brand new to the Corvette world. I live in central Ma, and bought a 77 corvette for my 11 YO grandson (for his 22nd birthday - his parents are motor-heads, and so is he) (P.S. he traded his sister the 641/2 Mustang I had bought him earlier and $10 for the Corvette - she's six and blond! Who could know?)
Right off I hit a crater in the road and broke the rear 9 leaf, 2 1/4 inch wide spring and one of the sping supporting arms that was cast as part of the back cover of the differential cover plate. I have a pit so I have decided to fix it myself I think. God bless the internet; I found Keen Parts rather quickly and they helped me order the parts I'll need. My question is this: Will I need to drop the whole differential to get the back cover with the broken support arm off, or can the cover and all be removed without going through the hassel of taking down the three universals and the differential? What else might I want to do while I'm under there?
Are there any unexpected surprises waiting for me, or is the job as simple as just replacing the back cover on the universal and then the spring with it's pads and bolts?
Luck was with me in finding this site - Thank you all for supporting it - I'll be joining you.

[William C.]

Re: 1977 broken rear spring & support arm

Unfortunately the rear cover is also bolted from the top thru the crossmember that runs side to side. getting around the exhaust is an issue also, so the exh generally has to be dropped. once you are that far might as well drop the differental to check for end wear on the axle stubs, as it is a common problem in these years. Pretty much what you see is what you get.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1977 broken rear spring & support arm

Bill an Dusty----

I totally agree. Other than dropping the crossmember to which the differential unit is attached, the only way to get at the upper bolts attaching the differential cover to the crossmember is to cut a hole in the floor of the luggage compartment. I absolutely DO NOT RECOMMEND this approach. I mention it only because you may hear of it from others and think that it's something we missed here. Steer WAY clear of others that give you such advice.