Differential Crossmember

[John M.]

The differential is out and the bolts for the crossmember are out. Is it just the friction and stick from the rubber doughnut that holds this together? The rubber looks good and I don't want to damage it. Any tricks? It's a 67 convertible and the body is off. Thanks for any advice.

[Craig S.]

Re: Differential Crossmember

John - the sombrero mounts are tapered, and hold the rubber donut mounts securely with a friction press fit. Usually, you need to use a large crow bar to dislodge the cushions from the sombreros. Since you have access from above, it may possibly be easier than when levered from underneath. Also. 30+ years of being attached doesn't help get them loose, it is a tight fit and really snaps when they pop loose....Craig

[Gary S.]

Re: Differential Crossmember

As Craig said, the rubber of the mount and the steel have joined as one. A little environmental vulcanizing. Use a big pry bar and don't be surprised if it takes a bit of force. My 66 took me a while until I really leaned on it.

Gary

[John M.]

Re: Differential Crossmember

Thanks Craig, Maybe I can put a jack on the crossmember and jack aginst the floor joist overhead. I was afraid of damaging the rubber but if that's how it comes off, then..

[John M.]

Re: Differential Crossmember

Thanks Gary, you guys have given me the confidence to have at it.

[Craig S.]

Re: Differential Crossmember

John - I think you will be best off with a big pry or crowbar. I used one about 3 feed long. I also installed longer catch bolts in the sombrero mounts to "catch" the crossmember and differential carrier when it popped off, to prevent damage and to control the operation from a safety perspective. In your case, since the carrier is removed, it's not going to damage anything when it pops down on the floor if you are prying from above....Craig

[Lane Ockerman]

Re: Differential Crossmember

John,

It took me and a good mechanic to "pry" them loose with a BIG crow bar.
Use / soak it with WD40, let it set for awhile, then have at it. It will take several attempts but IT DOES come apart.

Lane
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