Rear diff swap
Rear diff swap Ok so as some of you know another 10 bolt bit the dust. This is the first time I will have swapped a rear diff in my car. I will be doing this in the garage. The process seems pretty straightforward and I am not worried about it. My question is for those who have tackled this before. Any tips? Tools that make the job easier? Since I am saving a bundle doing this myself, I am willing to pick up any new tools I can use for this and future projects. 
unbolt the calipers and let them hang off to the side,the flex line will allow that and that way you won't have to bleed them. Unhook e-brake lines off backing plate levers(sometimes difficult). Unbolt all e-brake line guide brackets off of housing. Unbolt/unclip brake lines off housing. Disconnect electrical sensor line on top up rear.
I think that's all the preliminary.
The rest is unbolting and removal. Yoke u-joint cap/straps,torque arm,panhard bar,lcas'.
Hope I didn't forget anything just based on memory at 7:30 in the morning.
Also assuming everything in the replacement rear is OK,bearings,axles,axle bearings & seals.
I think that's all the preliminary.
The rest is unbolting and removal. Yoke u-joint cap/straps,torque arm,panhard bar,lcas'.
Hope I didn't forget anything just based on memory at 7:30 in the morning.
Also assuming everything in the replacement rear is OK,bearings,axles,axle bearings & seals.
unbolt the calipers and let them hang off to the side,the flex line will allow that and that way you won't have to bleed them. Unhook e-brake lines off backing plate levers(sometimes difficult). Unbolt all e-brake line guide brackets off of housing. Unbolt/unclip brake lines off housing. Disconnect electrical sensor line on top up rear.
I think that's all the preliminary.
The rest is unbolting and removal. Yoke u-joint cap/straps,torque arm,panhard bar,lcas'.
Hope I didn't forget anything just based on memory at 7:30 in the morning.
Also assuming everything in the replacement rear is OK,bearings,axles,axle bearings & seals.
I think that's all the preliminary.
The rest is unbolting and removal. Yoke u-joint cap/straps,torque arm,panhard bar,lcas'.
Hope I didn't forget anything just based on memory at 7:30 in the morning.
Also assuming everything in the replacement rear is OK,bearings,axles,axle bearings & seals.
Do you know what year car that rear is out of?
Also, unless you physically see the car and know that rear is out of a 6 speed then you should make sure its a 3.42. I once found that out the hard way.
your 2001 would have a Torsen posi(99-02),a 98 would have a Auburn posi.
If you gotta do axle seals,don't get the 'axle saver' variety. many threads on why not.
here's my first,3.23 rear(lower)out and 4.56(upper)going in
2nd,4.56 rear(lower) out and 3.23 rear(upper) going back in after 4 years of running the 4.56s',3.23 rear was completely rebuilt
a 3.73 rearend is in process to go in soon.
If you gotta do axle seals,don't get the 'axle saver' variety. many threads on why not.
here's my first,3.23 rear(lower)out and 4.56(upper)going in
2nd,4.56 rear(lower) out and 3.23 rear(upper) going back in after 4 years of running the 4.56s',3.23 rear was completely rebuilt
a 3.73 rearend is in process to go in soon.
Last edited by FirstYrLS1Z; Oct 7, 2014 at 01:49 PM.
Thanks guys. I picked up the rear end over the weekend from a mom and pop shop with a good reputation. It is out of a 3.8 01 camaro and has 3.42 gears. I will be checking the gears myself but the parts place did and said it was in good shape. I need to strip off the lcas, rotors, calipers, panhard, and sway bars as it came with them all attached. It is pretty rusty. Any way I could clean it up on the cheap? I am hoping to get it swapped this winter (maybe throw in some founders adjustable lcas and relocation as well) Also, is it a good idea to swap all the seals while I have it out?
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Verdad Gallardo Sweet. I pulled off all the junk suspension and will be opening it up tomorrow to see what I've got.