Rear Differential question
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Freshman User
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Rear Differential question
I am trying to get the cover off my rear differential. I dropped the drive shaft, took off all ten bolts and then cracked the cover and let all the gear oil drain. I broke the gasket seal all the way around. Now I can't pry the cover off. Do I have to unmesh the gears?
Thanks, 77'Sam
Thanks, 77'Sam
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2004
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I thought as much
My Dad told me that I would have to pull my axle shafts. Problem is I can't get my Rear Drums off for some reason. I don't know if they are rusted shut or what. Any tips or tricks?
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
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Uhh, were the bolts on the back side holding a tin cover or on the front side holding a big gnarly chunk of cast?
IF on the front, you have a drop out carrier and it's probably a 9 inch.
Your brake drums are probably worn to the point where the shoes are hanging up on a ridge. Pull the little adjuster plugs out and stick a flat blade in there and start turning the adjusters. You will find out which way to turn quick as the drum will lock up if you are tightening. Turn them as loose as you can.
Then use a hammer to break loose any rust between the drum and axle.
Gently now...
You will need a slide hammer to pull those axles. Push the carrier back in and tighten a nut on each side to it's seated and not in a bind with the axles.
You can make a slide hammer out of a long bolt or threaded rod, nuts, washers and a short section of pipe. You'll figure it out how that will work.
Be sure you clean the housing from one side to the other. I left chunks of my gear set in the tubes and promply ruined a new set of bearings in my youth....
Once you do this, you will find you like it. You will proceed to aquire several 9 inch carriers in various ratios and install them on everyother weekend.
Burnouts? Top speed? Towing? You can have it all with "The Poor Man's Quick Change" as the 9 inch is known in many circles, including circle track racing.
IF on the front, you have a drop out carrier and it's probably a 9 inch.
Your brake drums are probably worn to the point where the shoes are hanging up on a ridge. Pull the little adjuster plugs out and stick a flat blade in there and start turning the adjusters. You will find out which way to turn quick as the drum will lock up if you are tightening. Turn them as loose as you can.
Then use a hammer to break loose any rust between the drum and axle.
Gently now...
You will need a slide hammer to pull those axles. Push the carrier back in and tighten a nut on each side to it's seated and not in a bind with the axles.
You can make a slide hammer out of a long bolt or threaded rod, nuts, washers and a short section of pipe. You'll figure it out how that will work.
Be sure you clean the housing from one side to the other. I left chunks of my gear set in the tubes and promply ruined a new set of bearings in my youth....
Once you do this, you will find you like it. You will proceed to aquire several 9 inch carriers in various ratios and install them on everyother weekend.
Burnouts? Top speed? Towing? You can have it all with "The Poor Man's Quick Change" as the 9 inch is known in many circles, including circle track racing.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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Well if you have a drop out carrier like the 9 inch, yes, you had to pull those four bolts and the brakes and pull the axles to get the carrier out.
Even if you have an integral carrier like a Dana, you have to pull the axles to work on it. You have to pull the c-clips first, then the same routine to pull the axles. Then you do your work in the axle housing, rather than pull the carrier out into the daylight....
Even if you have an integral carrier like a Dana, you have to pull the axles to work on it. You have to pull the c-clips first, then the same routine to pull the axles. Then you do your work in the axle housing, rather than pull the carrier out into the daylight....
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Safford, Arizona
Definitely a 9" if it won't come off. You have to pull the shafts out a few inches.
So all this is on the front of the axle, correct? Careful, that 'Cover' is a little heavy too. Be prepared to pull it out and not crash to the ground. That could smash some fingers if not prepared.
So all this is on the front of the axle, correct? Careful, that 'Cover' is a little heavy too. Be prepared to pull it out and not crash to the ground. That could smash some fingers if not prepared.
