Any pointers for installing rear end?

[John M.]

I'm down to the complete rear end assembly, and as I look at it, it appears it's going to be no easy feat reinstalling it.

Attach the crossmember to the differential, install the front bracket and try to jack it up into position?

I dont think the jack will raise high enough to do this and I may have to fabricate some type of cradle.

Is this a one man operation or is this simply going to take several guys to bench press it up?

Any advice before I tear into this is appreciated.

[John M.]

Re: Any pointers for installing rear end?

Wow. Easy as Pie.

Attached the cross member and front cradle bracket to the differential.

Lifted one end of the assembly up and propped a jack stand underneath.

Lifted the other end up and propped a jack stand underneath.

Slid a floor jack under the differential and jacked it right into place with no correction.

I either got very lucky, or seriously underestimated how difficult it was going to be.

Nice.

[Dan M.]

Re: Any pointers for installing rear end?

How about pointers on how to re-attach the spring ends to thetrailing arms?

[John M.]

Re: Any pointers for installing rear end?

I assume that will be easy with a floor jack and a rag cushining it.

Is there anything that should remain untightened until the full weight of the car is lowered onto the suspension?

I got stopped dead in my tracks because I did't order a rear shim kit. I was hoping to have the entire rear end in today.

[John H.]

Re: Any pointers for installing rear end?

I assume that will be easy with a floor jack and a rag cushining it.

Is there anything that should remain untightened until the full weight of the car is lowered onto the suspension?

John -

Be sure and use a C-clamp on the spring while compressing it to attach the outer link bolts to keep the jack plate from sliding inboard on the spring; lots of stored energy there while you're working.

The four spring retaining plate bolts (to the bottom of the diff rear cover), both ends of the strut rods, and the trailing arm pivot bolts shouldn't be torqued until the car is on wheels with the suspension at normal ride height. When you install the spring to the rear cover, just snug the four bolts (20-30 ft-lbs.); trying to torque them fully at that point will probably result in breaking the ears off the cover.

[John M.]

Re: Any pointers for installing rear end?

I guess I'll go untighten my Spring bolts.


Anything in the front that shouldn't be torqued until load is applied?


Thanks

[John H.]

Re: Any pointers for installing rear end?

I guess I'll go untighten my Spring bolts.


Anything in the front that shouldn't be torqued until load is applied?


Thanks

Yup - upper and lower control arm shaft end bushing bolts, and the front stabilizer bar bushing bracket bolts to the frame.

[John M.]

Re: Any pointers for installing rear end?

Excellant, thanks John.

[Dan M.]

Re: Any pointers for installing rear end?

I agree. Thanks for the pointers. Sorry to take over the post!