C-3 Rear-End Removal

[David W.]

Help, I am at the point of my frame-on restoration of my 1980 Vette where I need to remove the rear-end and suspension. I have never tried this before and need any and all help. Any suggestions, links to pages with photos or just suggestions would be very much appreciated. The more detailed the better.

Regards, David

[Steven H.]

Re: C-3 Rear-End Removal

David

Jack stands under the frame, big floor jack support the rear housing then take everything conected to it off, lower jack and pull out?

I've done several earlier C3's no problem; I think yours has a little different set up than I have done, but should be basically the same for removal.

Is that the kind of information you are looking for?

Steve

[David W.]

Re: C-3 Rear-End Removal

Steve, Thanks. I have the car on jack stands with the front end and engine out. The rear spring is my biggest concern. Is there anything special I should do in regards to removing the spring?

Thanks for the help, David

[Steven H.]

Re: C-3 Rear-End Removal

Just take it loose from the trailing arms first to relieve the tension; I use a jack to push it up a little and take the bolt loose, then lower it down to unsrping it. The only problem after that point is the weight; but a normal size guy should be able to wrestle it out without effort.

It's been a few years since I did one; so I can't remember specific steps and special issues, but I don't think there is any one particular step that a decent gearhead can't get past.

[Steven H.]

Re: C-3 Rear-End Removal

David

Now that my memory is kicking in; I think a little trick was after you take the trailing arm bolts out, stick some jack stand on either side of the spring (and strap them down because I remember one spining out on me after the 4 center bolts were out), take the bolts out, then man handle the spring out.

If you just take the 4 center bolts loose with the spring unsecured to the stands; the spring is top heavy and wants to fall over.