T-Arm and Rear End Tear Down 94% Complete

[74bigblock]

We started the major portion of the tear down due to failed left rear spindle bearings. Basically, all we have left is to get the T-arms out. Thank goodness for air tools. Some interesting things we found:

-Birds nest in the Diff cross member.
-I had one bolt, and the biscut mount holding up the diff. The other 3 diff bolts were cracked off a long time ago, and the bolts worn down. One of the bolts has ceased itself into the crossmember hole, the other 3 are ovaled out.
-Left inner spindle bearing... total carnage.

Check it out:

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Do you think the birds ate your bolts?:confused

That's some fairly disturbing results. It's a good thing you were going slow when it happened. Quite likely the broken diff. bolts caused a lateral force on the spindle which trashed the bearings mucho pronto. Should be fairly easy to fix,and be back on the road soon. Have you thought about getting the trailing arms rebuilt before Bloomington instead of waiting?

 

[74bigblock]

Do you think the birds ate your bolts?:confused

That's some fairly disturbing results. It's a good thing you were going slow when it happened. Quite likely the broken diff. bolts caused a lateral force on the spindle which trashed the bearings mucho pronto. Should be fairly easy to fix,and be back on the road soon. Have you thought about getting the trailing arms rebuilt before Bloomington instead of waiting?

The diff bolts have been gone for some time. Tell tale sign is the rounded off and rusty remnants of the bolts protruding from the diff.

I've thought about it... but haven't made my decision about getting rebuilt (and by who) or new. I'm replacing everything with HD units... U-joints, half shafts... everything! Also going with Poly bushings. Once I get my list together I will start making decisions and shopping. It's only money!

I'm also gonna have the diff rebuilt. Who knows what kind of damage happened from the pressure of the half shaft on the diff as it leaned in.

 

[WARVET]

Wow, that's too bad, but good you found it and can correct. Just too much torque off that 454 for the diff to handle !

 

[GTR1999]

I can help you with questions on the differential, post or PM me.

 

[74bigblock]

I can help you with questions on the differential, post or PM me.

Thanks!!! I think I'm just going to send it out for overhaul... It is still working OK... but for how long is the question!

 

[vette-dude]

Holy Moly Tape Man!!! :crazy You are one lucky dude that the thing was holding together at all. Good choices on the rebuild, heavy duty everything!!! Just be sure to use double strength, monofilament, transparent, 3M products on the go together.


Randy

 

[74bigblock]

Holy Moly Tape Man!!! :crazy You are one lucky dude that the thing was holding together at all. Good choices on the rebuild, heavy duty everything!!! Just be sure to use double strength, monofilament, transparent, 3M products on the go together.


Randy

Yeah! I can't believe I was running at the track a few months ago with the diff like that! No wonder my 60ft times sucked! I was lucky to make it back for sure. I did notice that some of my U joints had been replaced at some point (Zerk fittings present).

 

[80convertible]

Wow, those are some interesting pics. Glad you discovered the problems now and not while driving 70 mph down the highway. I'm nearing completion of a rear suspension rebuild. Can't wait to get the car back on the road. There is a gentleman named Gary Ramadei who is an expert of rebuilding corvette differentials. He posts on another corvette board. He is well respected as the guru of corvette diffs. He rebuilds them out of his home. I"m not rebuilding my diff yet, but when I do he will be the person I use. If you want to speak with him, email him at Gary Ramadei <gramadei@aep.us>. He is a good guy to speak with and a wealth of information even if you don't have him perform the rebuild. He is not the cheapest but will give you the best product when all is said and done. Good luck either way.