This beast...I think I need to pull the rear cover of the differential to re-do the seal. Last time I tried to do the differential seal the front of the unit came off because the suspension crossmember didn't seem like it was supposed to be removed! I pulled the two bolts, one at either end, and tried to pry it down...ended up lifting myself holding onto it, all 180lbs of me pulling down on that crossmember didn't move it at all.

HOW does this thing come down?

Will I need to replace parts to put it back? (there is rubber somethings that looks like they needed replacement before I was born and have been degrading since)

How do I replace those parts?

Where do I get them?

Should I have this piece rust proofed before I put it back?(Powder coated, POR-15 etc?)

Which is best?

Anything else you can think of I should know about or consider?

Thanks!
Scot

WI supported the whole reare dif when i removed my rear cross member. If you remove the two rear bolts it should drop right down with a little persuasion. I thiink I used a ball joint seperator between the fram and the cross member and hit with a mallet to pop each side loose.

Corvette Central sells the rubber bushings that you can put back in the crossmember. I didn't replace mine because they were still in decent condition.

if they're not in good condition they should probably be replaced though eh?

Yes I would. They are what keeps the vibration and noise coming of the drivetrain and rear suspension from transferring into the frame and creating cabin noise. Plus it absorbs some fo the abuse from the rear suspension.

I just did this this past weekend. I too wondered about pulling the crossmember down. I was advised to spray the joint with PB Blaster and then use a crowbar to pop it off. I loosely tied the crossmember to the frame with .041" wire and then proceeded. It did take some brute force but it finally popped off. Other guys suggested a gear puller....
Mine too did not look good after 36 years but on the inside they looked great. I was also advised that they rarely need replacing unless your car has had a rough life. Volunteer Vette carries these bushings too.
I'm blasting it and re-painting with POR-15.....

Good luck!

What you will find once it is down that the holes on top where you can access the bolts that hold it to the diff are notorious for holding water and rusting. Clean and scrap as much of the rust out as you can. Compress air is a good idea. And then POR 15 the inside.

You might also find that the bolts that hold it to the diff are rusted and soft and are a bear to break loose. I rounded off two the bolts. Thank god for the Craftsman bolt Out kit. I then replaced the bolts with new ones.