Dropping complete rear axle... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

weever82 · 11-28-2012, 10:19 PM

Is dropping the complete rear axle as easy as it looks? Maybe a few pointers before I tackle the job...

Looks like you take off the rear tires, disconnect the rear rubber brake line at the brass T, take off the panhard bar, unbolt the (4) giant bolts at the rear control arms, slide off the U bolts and she comes down with a jack under the housing... miss anything?

Basically I am taking to a shop to dissassemble for me so I can put in some Moser axles, eaton posi and some 3.73's... but before that I want to get it powdercoated before I put it back on the truck.

Thanks for reading.

Weev-

69GWC · 11-28-2012, 10:37 PM

So long the bolts are not all seized up its not really hard at all. When ever I plan on taking something like that out I start a week or two before and spray the bolts/nuts down ever day with a penetrating fluid.
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weever82 · 11-28-2012, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69GWC

So long the bolts are not all seized up its not really hard at all. When ever I plan on taking something like that out I start a week or two before and spray the bolts/nuts down ever day with a penetrating fluid.
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Thats a great idea! I am going to hit them up with some PB now! Looks like they will need a breaker bar...

Weev-

**truckster** · 11-28-2012, 11:53 PM

You missed the parking brake cables. Those might hang it up just a bit.

PanelDeland · 11-29-2012, 10:12 PM

I would plan on cutting and replacing the U bolts.They may come loose but generally the threads are rusted and bad enough you will want to anyway.Any driveline or rearend shop should have or be able to make new ones.

weever82 · 11-29-2012, 10:27 PM

Should I worry about the springs shooting out at me or they aren't under much pressure are they?

Weev-
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69GWC · 11-29-2012, 10:39 PM

Just lower the rear end down slowly and that will take the pressure off them. If you are worries about them you can strap them to the rear end with a small chain just end case or use a spring compressor to take the load off of them.
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Critter · 11-29-2012, 10:42 PM

I like to leave the rear wheels and tires on if possible, makes rolling the axle out from under the truck easier. Gotta lift the whole thing higher to do it that way though.

11-28-2012, 10:19 PM	#1
weever82 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 551	Dropping complete rear axle... Is dropping the complete rear axle as easy as it looks? Maybe a few pointers before I tackle the job... Looks like you take off the rear tires, disconnect the rear rubber brake line at the brass T, take off the panhard bar, unbolt the (4) giant bolts at the rear control arms, slide off the U bolts and she comes down with a jack under the housing... miss anything? Basically I am taking to a shop to dissassemble for me so I can put in some Moser axles, eaton posi and some 3.73's... but before that I want to get it powdercoated before I put it back on the truck. Thanks for reading. Weev- __________________ Weev- Life's tough...... It's even tougher when your stupid - John Wayne

11-28-2012, 10:37 PM	#2
69GWC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,089	Re: Dropping complete rear axle... So long the bolts are not all seized up its not really hard at all. When ever I plan on taking something like that out I start a week or two before and spray the bolts/nuts down ever day with a penetrating fluid. Posted via Mobile Device

11-28-2012, 11:53 PM	#4
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,825	Re: Dropping complete rear axle... You missed the parking brake cables. Those might hang it up just a bit.

11-29-2012, 10:12 PM	#5
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Dropping complete rear axle... I would plan on cutting and replacing the U bolts.They may come loose but generally the threads are rusted and bad enough you will want to anyway.Any driveline or rearend shop should have or be able to make new ones. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

11-29-2012, 10:27 PM	#6
weever82 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 551	Re: Dropping complete rear axle... Should I worry about the springs shooting out at me or they aren't under much pressure are they? Weev- Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Weev- Life's tough...... It's even tougher when your stupid - John Wayne

11-29-2012, 10:39 PM	#7
69GWC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,089	Re: Dropping complete rear axle... Just lower the rear end down slowly and that will take the pressure off them. If you are worries about them you can strap them to the rear end with a small chain just end case or use a spring compressor to take the load off of them. Posted via Mobile Device

11-29-2012, 10:42 PM	#8
Critter Future TOTM Winner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bulverde, TX Posts: 2,692	Re: Dropping complete rear axle... I like to leave the rear wheels and tires on if possible, makes rolling the axle out from under the truck easier. Gotta lift the whole thing higher to do it that way though. __________________ 72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com



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