c2 diffferential mounting problem

[Walt W.]

I removed the rear diff mounting bracket when removing the driveshaft. Now the flange on the front of the diff has moved up and is hitting the
body and i can't get the bracket back on. Anyone have any thoughts???

Walt Weems

[Albert P.]

Re: c2 diffferential mounting problem

Try lowering the car with blocks under the rear tires so the rear suspension is not dangling in the air, this will put the differential in the proper position.

[Arnold P.]

Re: c2 diffferential mounting problem

hi,walt i've loosened the 4 long bolts that attach the spring to the diff. that seems to relieve the spring tension from the diff. be sure the car is on the ground before you make your final torque of the spring bolts. pappy

[Joel T.]

Re: c2 diffferential mounting problem

Walt;

I had basically the same problem. I had to replace that front diff bracket and actually had to create enough clearance to get the blasted bolts out from the front of the carrier... while the whole thing was on the car.

Here's what I did.

Got the car up on stands about 18" off the floor.

Unloaded the rear spring at each trailing arm.. Used a floor jack to lift the spring to get the tension off, removed the nuts and lowered the spring.

Loosened the two bolts which connect the differential bushings (on that cross member) to the frame. You can use the original bolts but if you have longer ones use them. Pry the bushing off the frame mounts (big pry bar) and have the cross member rest on the partially extended bolts..again longer bolts are better here, be sure to leave the bolts threaded a couple of turns.

With the bushings off the mounts and the spring unloaded, the whole differential will rock front to back. I used a pry bar to rotate the nose of the carrier down so that I could get the bolts out... Wedge the bar between the frame and the carrier front yoke.

While you are doing this you might replace that front diff bracket with one of those reinforced models... the stock 63 bracket holes actually elongated on my car necessitating replacement...

[Gary S.]

Re: c2 diffferential mounting problem

I am relying on memory but I believe that the Chevy Service Manual gives a procedure to keep this from happening when you start working on the diff mounting. If what the others suggest doesn't work, perhaps you can try the advice in manual by working in reverse?

Gary

[Timothy B.]

Re: c2 diffferential mounting problem

Walt,
Put the weight of the car on the wheels or suspension and it will settle back in place.

[Duke W.]

Re: c2 diffferential mounting problem

It's been awhile, but IIRC if you neglect to jam a wood block between the axle nose and tunnel to keep the nose from rising as called out in the service manual, you can use a Wonder Bar or similar tool to pry between the housing and bracket to line up the forward side bolts for insertion.

Duke