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RE: Easy Spit Diff Installation

To: "'BWN'" <bwnbcg@cruzio.com>
Subject: RE: Easy Spit Diff Installation
From: "Haynes, Mark" <mhaynes@ball.com>
Date: Fri, 7 May 1999 07:09:43 -0600
Rick- also remember, when raising the diff into place, if you find it's not
moving after getting the ears into place, that the axle flanges can/do get
hung up on the output flanges, If you lift on the offending wheel/hub, you
can usually get it free, sometimes you'll have to get a bar under it so that
it doesn't go right back when you let go. With 2 people it's about a 1 hour
job removing and replacing the diff.
Mark Haynes
'65 SPIT RMVR #162

> -----Original Message-----
> From: BWN [SMTP:bwnbcg@cruzio.com]
> Sent: Thursday, May 06, 1999 5:31 PM
> To:   richard stieg; Spitfires Post; British Cars Post
> Subject:      Easy Spit Diff Installation
> 
> 
> 
> >
> It took about three hours to reinstall
> >the differential.  >snip
> 
> >how did you fit the bloody thing back into the mounts by yerself?
> 
> >I plan or wrestling with my '75 tonite.
> 
> >rick stieg
> 
> 
> Rick
> 
> Here is how you do it:
> 
> Roll the diff under the car on a floor jack.  Elevate the diff until you
> can put the rear bushing "ears" into the slots in the frame.  This will
> locate and hold the rear of the unit temporarily.  Then continue to
> elevate the unit while guiding the front bushings around the mounting
> studs.  Install lower front bushing halves, washers, and nuts, but do
> not tighten all the way down yet.  Use the jack to raise and lower the
> diff as needed to align the rear bushings with the bolt hole through the
> frame.  It is easiest to see from the right side on account of brake
> line obstruction if you look from the left.  you may need a lever to
> force the diff forward slightly to get alignment of all the holes.  When
> aligned insert the pointed bolt.  Use your old rocker shaft (you did
> save your old rocker shaft, right?) to pound the bolt through the
> bushing sleeves and frame holes.  Now tighten the front bushing bolts
> properly.  Install the nut on the rear bolt from the left side.  If you
> attach several ratchet extensions you can get enough play  and length to
> work through the brake tubing to reach the nut.  Tighten properly.  If
> you are lucky the bolt will be jammed in there so as not to need a
> wrench on the other end.  
> 
> That's all. It is the easiest part of the operation.  Be sure to have
> the exhaust off the car first.  Mine is a one piece custom pipe and
> glass pack that attaches with a flange at the header and a couple of
> hanger bolts near the back.  Simple, fast, and accessible.  I
> contemplated running it out the side in front of the rear wheels like a
> Caterham, but there is not enough ground clearance.  It would be nice
> to  work on the rear end without removing the exhaust.
> 
> All the best.  And remember to put it up on proper jacks.  I have had
> the spit slide off the jacks before.  Just a warning.
> 
> 
> Brian

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