How to set up 63 Rear Axles?

[James H.]

I am looking for help with the set up of the rear axles on my 63. I have been told that the set up tools that you can buy do not work and are a waste of money. I have a shop manual, but I still am not sure where to start. Anyone have any Ideas?

[Jim T.]

Re: How to set up 63 Rear Axles?

James the 1963 Corvette came with an easier to dissemble rear axle bearings if this is what you are refering to. The easier part is that the bearings are supposed to come off of the spindle/axle with out being pressed out of the hubs with any special tools.
However you may want to entertain sending the complete control arm with spindles to www.bairs.com and let them do all the work. They supply shipping boxes and have been doing the rebuilding of complete rear control arms for a long time. Their service will last for many miles.
Bairs advertises in the NCRS Driveline.
They also do the front control arms.

[James H.]

Re: How to set up 63 Rear Axles?

It looks like Bairs only works on 65 and up.
Had to have Axles pressed apart with hyd press to disassemble, no easy task as I remember. I think I only get one shot at these Rear bearing assembles, right?

[Joe R.]

Re: How to set up 63 Rear Axles?

James,

Bair's as well as others work on 63-82 rear bearing assemblies. And just a comment on the tools sold to work on these units. The tools are as good as the people using them. Have had a set for years and have accomplished set-ups for myself and friends in the local Corvette club. I do not do this work commercially so don't mistake this comment as an advertisement!

By using the service manual and the tools you can purchase, the task can be accomplished and is very satisfying knowing the axles and bearings will work for another 40 years.

JR

[Michael W.]

Re: How to set up 63 Rear Axles?

I think I only get one shot at these Rear bearing assembles, right?

That's what the set up tool avoids. I've never heard the statement that the tool does not work but it is a substantial investment if it's only going to be used once.

[Gary R.]

Re: How to set up 63 Rear Axles?

I am looking for help with the set up of the rear axles on my 63. I have been told that the set up tools that you can buy do not work and are a waste of money. I have a shop manual, but I still am not sure where to start. Anyone have any Ideas?

I can tell you how to do the whole job, I would post a lot of this but some have a problem with that so if you want, just call PM me and I'll answer all your questions. 63-64 trailing arms are not as critical with the endplay due to drum brakes but they do need to be correctly setup.