A78Corvette

I am slowly tearing down the 78. I have the trailing arms and half shafts off. I removed the spare holder. I took the leaf spring off and the exaust. I know I need to look at the manual. I am tearing the car down because it was totaled. I can't figure out whats holding the pumpkin in. I see the studs coming from the frame rail with the bushings on it. It looks like it should drop but will not. I have jacked on the body ect. There is something simple I am not doing. Any advise would be helpful.Thanks in advance. :skep: :confused: :conehead

kenko74

IF you've removed the differential front support bracket, then the only thing left holding the differential is the crossmember. It often rusts to the frame inside those large rubber bushings. Remove the bolts holding the crossmember to the frame, and spray in some good penetrating oil (Kano Kroil is the best, also can try P.B. Blaster), wait an hour and spray again. Then support the differential with a jack (if you plan on keeping it), and give the cross member a few good blows and then try prying it off the frame at the ends--it'll pop right off. :smash:

A78Corvette

Thanks i already had the bolts out. I didn't think rust would hold all of that together. Good thing I have kept the jack under the rear end most of the time. I can't find kriol around here. I will get some pbblaster tomorrow. :conehead :skep: :confused:

CF6873

You may want to put some longer bolts into the crossmember holes so when it pops loose it doesn't hit the floor. You may have to pry very hard with a long bar or pipe. It's not nessessarily rust that is holding it together.They are just a very tight fit. Good Luck, Craig

A78Corvette

Thanks to all and for the pictures. I will oil them down tomorrow and get a gear puller from auto zone. I'm glad I had this place to ask. :conehead

BKbroiler

I used Ed T's procedure and it worked like a charm.