Discussion
Well guys after some careful planning along with some great advice from Ed Crouch - I finally managed to drop the diff. But let me tell you - it was a b
h! For a start - every nut and bolt was rusted and despite copious ammounts of WD40 they would not budge even after an overnight soak.
In the end, I had to cut through all the bolts. To access the lower hub carrier bolts - I had to cut an access hole in the boot as well as cutting an access hole for the diff beam bolts in order to chop them off with the grinder - Bastad.
Anyway, I managed to drop the whole diff less the A-Frames and drive-shafts which were removed earlier. Lo and behold the rear calipers, handbrake etc are in bad shape. The first thing I noticed was there was no lock wire through the caliper bolts and the diff is caked with rusted crap which makes you wonder about the previous mechanic who worked on the car....
The hard work is over - I plan to rebuild with new calipers, disks and SH's Tie Rods. The bushes seem fine on the A frames and the UJ's have received a healthy dose of grease - the diff will get a de-rusting and paint job before being put back. The whole job is do-able provided you have the tools and you're not afraid to have a go. The chassis will also get cleaned up then its re-assembly. Watch this space!!
Before I depart for the evening - I must say thanks to Ed for the advice and tips - especially the use of luggage straps - brilliant.
h! For a start - every nut and bolt was rusted and despite copious ammounts of WD40 they would not budge even after an overnight soak. In the end, I had to cut through all the bolts. To access the lower hub carrier bolts - I had to cut an access hole in the boot as well as cutting an access hole for the diff beam bolts in order to chop them off with the grinder - Bastad.
Anyway, I managed to drop the whole diff less the A-Frames and drive-shafts which were removed earlier. Lo and behold the rear calipers, handbrake etc are in bad shape. The first thing I noticed was there was no lock wire through the caliper bolts and the diff is caked with rusted crap which makes you wonder about the previous mechanic who worked on the car....
The hard work is over - I plan to rebuild with new calipers, disks and SH's Tie Rods. The bushes seem fine on the A frames and the UJ's have received a healthy dose of grease - the diff will get a de-rusting and paint job before being put back. The whole job is do-able provided you have the tools and you're not afraid to have a go. The chassis will also get cleaned up then its re-assembly. Watch this space!!
Before I depart for the evening - I must say thanks to Ed for the advice and tips - especially the use of luggage straps - brilliant.
Sounds like you are winning the battle GV.
Just finished my chassis. I have the front of the car up on car ramps in my garage. You can't drive the wedge up ramps due to spoiler but i used a trolley jack and paving slabs to get the height then lowered her onto the ramps.
Have just replaced the centre box exhaust for a sports version. What a b*ll ache that was. The top bolt of 3 where it joins the back section & loops over the rear suspension was siezed solid!! I had the chassis literally up against my nose with feck all room to try and remove it.
Got that done at 11:30 last night - had to start her too.. just to check.
Wow!! LOUD!
Good luck with the rest of yours. Gotta love these wedges.
Just finished my chassis. I have the front of the car up on car ramps in my garage. You can't drive the wedge up ramps due to spoiler but i used a trolley jack and paving slabs to get the height then lowered her onto the ramps.
Have just replaced the centre box exhaust for a sports version. What a b*ll ache that was. The top bolt of 3 where it joins the back section & loops over the rear suspension was siezed solid!! I had the chassis literally up against my nose with feck all room to try and remove it.
Got that done at 11:30 last night - had to start her too.. just to check.
Wow!! LOUD!Good luck with the rest of yours. Gotta love these wedges.
Edited by Waynester on Monday 10th March 10:20
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