hi, i need some help. my buddy recently bought a 70's dodge 1/2 ton. im trying to remove the rear diff so i can change the gasket. problem is there is no cover that faces the rear like most pickups. i removed the driveline and the 10 bolts that go around the pumpkin. when i try and pry off the assembly i can get it off 50% of the way then it gets stuck. like something on the inside is holding it back. do you have to remove the axle shafts to get the assembly off? what am i doing wrong. thanks for your time.
dan
sgillett
04-24-2006, 04:31 PM
That's an 8 3/4" rear end.
You need to remove the rear drums and brake shoes, unscrew the 5 nuts that hold the brake backing plates onto the housing. Rotate the axle to align the hole in the axle flange between the lugs with each nut then carefuly pull both axels out being careful not to let the axel rest or slide on the seals. With the axles out the center section will drop out. Be careful, it's heavy!
Good luck
Scot
Dodgevanman
04-24-2006, 07:55 PM
Since you've never had to deal with a rear like this, I suggest getting some sort of service manual for the model of truck you are working on. When you go to put everything back together, you must make sure the axle bearings are packed with grease and are adjusted properly or those bearings will be ruined in no time.
Speed Dragon
04-25-2006, 08:08 AM
Hey vanman, are those rears hard to set-up? As much as I know about these trucks, I've never messed with setting up the gears in one, mostly cause I've never had a reason to, but also cause I'm scared of not being able to set it up right and tearing something up.
Dodgevanman
04-25-2006, 11:53 AM
Personally, I've never had to intall gears or anything like that. If I had to change gears, I would just find a complete center section to swap in. However setting up the correct endplay for the axle bearings is a bit tricky. Green Bearing, Co. has a sealed bearing kit that replaces the factory units and eliminates any adjustment. I get mine from Manicini Racing.
