'77 Differential Crossmember Removal
12-28-2002, 02:09 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
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'77 Differential Crossmember Removal
How hard is this to do?
I was thinking of the truss looking cross member (is that on '81 & '82) when people said they had to pry it out.
Mine looks like it's just hanging there and will drop out when I remove the two bolts, YES?
I was thinking of the truss looking cross member (is that on '81 & '82) when people said they had to pry it out.
Mine looks like it's just hanging there and will drop out when I remove the two bolts, YES?
12-28-2002, 02:21 PM
#2
Melting Slicks
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Re: '77 Differential Crossmember Removal (jerryp58)
Jerry,
It may take some real "persuasion" to remove it. I had to use a huge pry bar. Loosen those two bolts, but do not remove them--you don't want the whole thing to fall on the floor when you finally manage to pry it out. Once you manage to break it loose, put a jack under the rear end, remove the bolts, and slowly lower the jack. That thing is HEAVY!
Be very careful with those bolts--if they are siezed, spray them with penetrating oil, and come back after a couple of days. Otherwise the nuts welded inside the sombrero mounts may break loose, and you're in trouble. (Been there, but for other reason: I stripped the threads of one of those nuts. :cuss )
Good luck!
-Pedro
[Modified by Pedro'74, 2:23 PM 12/28/2002]
It may take some real "persuasion" to remove it. I had to use a huge pry bar. Loosen those two bolts, but do not remove them--you don't want the whole thing to fall on the floor when you finally manage to pry it out. Once you manage to break it loose, put a jack under the rear end, remove the bolts, and slowly lower the jack. That thing is HEAVY!
Be very careful with those bolts--if they are siezed, spray them with penetrating oil, and come back after a couple of days. Otherwise the nuts welded inside the sombrero mounts may break loose, and you're in trouble. (Been there, but for other reason: I stripped the threads of one of those nuts. :cuss )
Good luck!
-Pedro
[Modified by Pedro'74, 2:23 PM 12/28/2002]
12-28-2002, 03:44 PM
#3
Tech Contributor
Re: '77 Differential Crossmember Removal (jerryp58)
Jerry,
As Pedro said the 2 bolts are holding it up to the frame. I have had them come out with little effort and a 10" pry bar and also had to use more force on others. Usually the crossmember will still stay up even with the bolts out but do put a jack under it to catch it. The complete rear end weights just about 100 lbs and the crossmember about 15-20 lbs.
Good luck
Gary
[Modified by gtr1999, 3:45 PM 12/28/2002]
As Pedro said the 2 bolts are holding it up to the frame. I have had them come out with little effort and a 10" pry bar and also had to use more force on others. Usually the crossmember will still stay up even with the bolts out but do put a jack under it to catch it. The complete rear end weights just about 100 lbs and the crossmember about 15-20 lbs.
Good luck
Gary
[Modified by gtr1999, 3:45 PM 12/28/2002]