Yep. Here in rainy WA, if a vehicle wasn't garaged or factory undercoated, it is usually rust city. Maybe not holes, but at least some good surface rust. Of course, undercoating presents its own problems in dealing with u-bolts on the rear axle. Fotunately, my 84 5th ave was both factory undercoated and built after Chrysler started using some galvanized panels on the bottom.

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

Ive never pulled the springs as a result of a rear end swap (leaves; cars with coils, there are no other choices); I have dropped the rear shackles then cut the U bolts, then rolled the rear end out on tires with the springs still attatched at the front, OR just remove the tires,and drums, (and the axles/backing plates if the "new" rear has different diameter drums than the car had) cut the U bolts, and slide the rear axle to one side, 'til the axle flange clears the leaf in the inside of it, drop the end that is now under the car closer to center and slide it over the other way til the opposite side clears the leaf to the inside edge and wolla; it's out. I don't mind pulling the axles and hanging the backing plates from the wheel wells, so that I can (1) replace the seals anyways ,and (2) not have to open up the brake hyd. system.

More news. I took the car for a short test drive and it sounds like the noise is coming mostly from the driver's side rear axle. I parked the car and shoved on the driver's rear tire. I could feel the whole shaft moving in and out and I heard a clunk coming from inside the differential.

Eventually, I want to replace the wholew rear axle assembly, but I am short on time right now and I need to get a reliable daily driver again. My van is getting closer and closer to death.

Is there a quick and dirty way to shim the axle shaft? I have never rebuilt a rear differential before.

This is an 84 7.25 rear axle, non-sure-grip with 2.2 gears.

Thanks.

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

I wonder if the retaining nuts are tight over the bearing? If you pull the tire and drum, you can check the nuts behind that hold the axle shaft in place... and also make sure that the backing plate itself is secured on the axle housing.

~THOR~

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1984 D100 Shorty Custom
Certified Auto Appraiser - RevItUp Classic Appraisals
President - Cherry City Bombers CC
Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

Thanks! I will check that out.

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

by 84 the 7-1/4 was not 8-3/4 style but 8-1/4 style (C clips) IIRC.

Yep, the 7 1/4 has C-clips holding the axles in.

Well, the post-mortem is done on my old 7 1/4. Cause of the noise?



Three teeth sheared off of each spider gear! No wonder it made noise. I'm surprised the poor old thing still pushed the car around.

Anyway, it has been swapped for an 8 3/4 out of a 69 Belvedere. Thanks everybody!

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.