51 custom diff cover gasket, need help!!

[Grapevine1]

Hey guys, my rear diff is leaking around the gasket and I’m trying to take the cover off to repair it. I’ve pulled the driveshaft and took all the nuts off the flange bolts, but can’t get it to split, my question is, do I need to remove the yoke at the diff? I’ve noticed there’s a big nut holding it on, or is there anything else I need to do or be cautious about when I take it apart? I don’t have any knowledge about these diffs and I can’t find any information.

I basically need the steps needed to replace the rear diff gasket.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!

[tubman]

Maybe a stupid question, but have you pulled the axles? BTW, car or station wagon?

[Grapevine1]

Originally Posted by tubman

Maybe a stupid question, but have you pulled the axles? BTW, car or station wagon?

No haven’t pulled the axles, do I need to? It is a car

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by Grapevine1

No haven’t pulled the axles, do I need to? It is a car

Yep, if it does not have a rear differential cover, generally the axles have to be removed.

[Grapevine1]

Originally Posted by 51 MERC-CT

Yep, if it does not have a rear differential cover, generally the axles have to be removed.

Okay thanks, I have the l side brakes and drum off and I took the 4 bolts out that hold the axle in, but when I pull on the axle it won’t budge, am I missing something?

[Bob C]

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Originally Posted by Grapevine1

Okay thanks, I have the l side brakes and drum off and I took the 4 bolts out that hold the axle in, but when I pull on the axle it won’t budge, am I missing something?

Yup, a slide hammer.

[tubman]

Originally Posted by Bob C

Yup, a slide hammer.

Those "bridge" looking things in the lower right are specifically intended for this exact purpose. You can usually rent one at an "Autozone" or similar parts store.

In a pinch you really don't need one. The last one I did involved a short length of chain bolted to a couple of wheel studs, a length of pipe, and a concrete block (I was a lot younger then).

[tubman]

Ooops, double post. Sorry.

[Aarongriffey]

Before you yank an axle out with a chain you really should hook up another chain to the rear spring or something so that when the outer axle bearing brakes loose the axle flange doesn’t get you.
I was jerking on one with the car three feet up and when the axle came out it got me in the forehead. Knocked me out. Still have dent in my skull from a lug stud.

[Zeke3]

I have used a brake drum as a slide hammer to pull rear axles out. Turn the drum around backwards and screw the lug nuts on about three turns, flat side toward the drum. You now have a slide hammer. Slam it a few times and the axles usually pop loose.

[Grapevine1]

Thanks everybody for the help I ended up getting it out by hooking a ratchet strap to my nearby truck and giving her a few taps with a hammer. Not real professional, but it worked. I had no idea how these were assembled, this is my first time taking one apart, I understand now, but I appreciate everyone’s input!!

[grumppyoldman]

Have someone help you with pulling the thing out, it is HEAVY and hard to handle by yourself. Don't ask me how I know. Al

[34PKUP]

Originally Posted by grumppyoldman

Have someone help you with pulling the thing out, it is HEAVY and hard to handle by yourself. Don't ask me how I know. Al

Axles are heavy???

[aussie merc]

WARNING now you got the axles out mark the top of the diff unit so you refit it correctly some will go in upside down [ caved the rear of the car in punched the workbench thru the garage wall and still had to deal with the embarrassment and my old man rolling around laughing till he realized it was his garage but he couldn't wait to tell all his mates

[Grapevine1]

Originally Posted by grumppyoldman

Have someone help you with pulling the thing out, it is HEAVY and hard to handle by yourself. Don't ask me how I know. Al

Yes haha I thought I was going to break my wrist pulling it out!