Topic: Rear end Cover Replacement
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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Former Member
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HARROD, OH - USA
Joined: 7/25/2003
Posts: 335
Vette(s): 1976 - L-48 Auto, A/C, AM/FM, Power Windows, Tilt Telescopic Wheel, Factory Aluminum Wheels, Inferno Red Matalic Custom paint with Black Leather Interior.
Hello all, after deciding to replace the leaf spring on my 76 I got started only to find that the rear end cover where the bolts thread into to hold the leaf in place was completely cracked off on one side and the other side is crack half way through. I ordered the rear end cover replacement and the gasket & fluid. I have the old leaf spring out and now I see that there is a cross member that is bolted through the rear end cover from the top. I have unbolted the cross member on either side and am at the point of determining just how to go about removing the the rear end cover and cross member. I didn't see anything about it in my Chiltons or Haines. My idea was, now that I have the cross member lose, I would just drain the rear end and unbolt the rear end cover and drop the cross member and cover in one piece. Then take the four bolts out from the cross member that hold it to the rear end cover. The reasembly would be the reverse of these steps. Does that sound right or is there a better way to go about this? Just taking my time on this one, first timer here.
Vince
|UPDATED|3/10/2004 8:32:24 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Vince

|UPDATED|3/10/2004 8:32:24 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
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That is the process I used. Worked out just fine. Leave the two blots in the cross member (finger tight). Remove all 8 of the rear end cover bolts. You will need a little bit of tapping to break the seal--Be gentle. Have a buddy on the other side of the car as you take the cross member bolts out and lower the cross member /cover asembly down and watch your fingers. As one person pushes down the other side can pinch. You will need to transfer the vent on the old rear end cover to the new one. It just pulls out. The plug will also be moved.
On reassembly here is a trick that I used. Take bolt the same size as the rear end cover bolts and cut the head off. Cut a slot in the shaft. It will be used by a screwdriver. Put this "threaded rod" in one of the the lower rear end housing holes so 1/4 inch sticks out. As you put the asembly back on the car this rod will help you get the correct alignment of the holes. Once you get a couple of bolts started then use a screwdrive to remove the "treaded rod".
Good luck.
On reassembly here is a trick that I used. Take bolt the same size as the rear end cover bolts and cut the head off. Cut a slot in the shaft. It will be used by a screwdriver. Put this "threaded rod" in one of the the lower rear end housing holes so 1/4 inch sticks out. As you put the asembly back on the car this rod will help you get the correct alignment of the holes. Once you get a couple of bolts started then use a screwdrive to remove the "treaded rod".
Good luck.
Former Member
Send PM
HARROD, OH - USA
Joined: 7/25/2003
Posts: 335
Vette(s): 1976 - L-48 Auto, A/C, AM/FM, Power Windows, Tilt Telescopic Wheel, Factory Aluminum Wheels, Inferno Red Matalic Custom paint with Black Leather Interior.
Thanks for the conformation on my steps Carl. That is a great idea with the bolt cut for a screw driver. I will be doing the rest of this job on Saturday and I will get a replacement bolt to cut off tomorrow.
I let ya know how it all goes.
Cheers!
I let ya know how it all goes.
Cheers!

Former Member
Send PM
HARROD, OH - USA
Joined: 7/25/2003
Posts: 335
Vette(s): 1976 - L-48 Auto, A/C, AM/FM, Power Windows, Tilt Telescopic Wheel, Factory Aluminum Wheels, Inferno Red Matalic Custom paint with Black Leather Interior.
Update on the rear end cover and leaf spring job. Well, I found that the bolts on the rear end were harder to get to and remove than I expected. But, I did get them out. I got the two cross member bolts out without any trouble and then had to pry cross member out of the centering mounts. But, it all came out OK.
After a good cleaning and lubing of everything I am now ready to put it all back together. That will be tomorrow afternoon.
Later!
After a good cleaning and lubing of everything I am now ready to put it all back together. That will be tomorrow afternoon.
Later!

in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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