> On my differential there are no mounting brackets welded to the housing. That
> is, the spring "perch" is actually part of the "U"-bolt/shackel/plate assembly
> that bolts to the axle housing. The springs and the shocks mount to this
>plate.
> It can attach anywhere along the length of the axle housing as long as the
> diameter of the housing is smaller than the inside diameter of the "U"-bolt.
>So,
> if the truck frame is narrower than the donor frame, the "U"-bolts just
>attach a
> bit closer to the drive shaft.
I installed a rear end from an 80's Camaro Berlinetta. I ground off all the old
suspension mounts from the axle housing. Then I installed a new set of rear
springs and mounts from Chassis Engineering. This consisted of a lower plate
that had holes for the u-bolts as well as a stud for the lower shock mount.
Then a u-shaped saddle sat on top of that, with the axle in the saddle. After
setting the rear pinion angle, I welded the saddle pieces to the axle tube. Now
if I have to remove the rear end, it comes out with the saddles attached. These
saddles have a center hole in them that allows for proper location on the u-bolt
mounting plate. Upon re-assembly, this allows for the rear end to be installed
with the original pinion angle.
FWIW, I moved the rear spring perches inboard a couple inches to allow the
springs to sit parallel instead of "toed-in" like the original AD design. I had
to install a custom cross member made from 1x2 inch tubing, plus I boxed the
frame in the rear for added stiffness.
Wally / 53 rod project
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