I need some technical advice for an RV coded 3.31 rear from a 1972 Chevelle SS W coded car - I recently bought the 72 Chevelle and it did not come with rear axles. When I took the rear end cover off, I was very pleased to find the ring and pinion/carrier/c-clips/and the bar that slides though the center of the carrier to hold it all together. However, the bar was pulled out of the carrier and was just resting inside the differential cover. As you might have guessed, the gears had shifted a bit so that the holes in the carrier and gears are off-center. I can't seem to get the gears to move at all to line up the holes on the carrier and gears to slide the bar back in again. How do I move the gears to get it all lined up again? Do I have to get a special spring compressor and compress the four springs held by two plates??

Any/all help would be much appreciated!!!

Put the tansmission in park so that the pinion and differential can not turn. Put an axle in with a wheel on it. Use this to turn the gears and line up the holes.

Thanks - I'll give it a try!!

Freddie,

Shouldn't he double-check to make darn sure the dished washers and stuff are OK and in the correct locations behind both axle gears??

And DON'T over tighten the pin hold-in 5/16" bolt!!

pdq67

Yes, be sure that the thrust washers are still behind the pinion gears. If they are gone you must replace them or the case will be ruined. The torque for the retainer bolt is 20 to 25 foot pounds. Use blue Locktite on it and a lock washer.

Jeff,

You got it from the Man that know's!

Thank's Freddie for coming back.

pdq67

Freddie,

When I tried to move the gears manually - by hand - a round curved concave washer fell out from behind one of the smaller gears. I was able to push it back in back and get it in place. Is this one of the washers you are talking about?

Additional question: I picked up my axles tonight and hope to install the bearings and seals this weekend on the axle tube ends. Do I need to grease the bearings prior to install or are they lubricated through the differential lube??

Many thanks to both you and paul for your input - this is my first attempt at doing such a thing, so please bear with me as I struggle through this!!

Yes, that is the thrust washer. Be sure that there is one behind both of the pinion (small) gears. If one is missing then you need to get a new one and install it. If the one that you have now is brass then I recommend replacing them with new steel washers. I have them if you need some.

As for the axle bearings, squirt some gear oil in them after you install them and the seals. Rotate the bearings while you squirt the oil in the bearings. Then wipe a little oil onto the seal lip before putting the axles in.

Hey Jeff, when you get a chance,post some pics of this car & tell us more about it.
see my 'W' car in my sig.

Dan,

Will do - I'm hoping to get a digital camera for Father's Day...The car was badly rusted and I only bought it because I wanted the engine for another project I have. I was overseas at the time I bought the car, but my Dad confirmed it was numbers matching - at leat the engine block. I was really excited when I inspected the car for the first time and discovered it was a true W coded, numbers matching engine and correctly coded rear. I found the plate on the tranny, but I didn't write down the info. The car also came with what appears to be the original owners manual and the protect-o-plate!

Both windows - front and back - are very badly rusted due to a vinyl roof, and the A-pillars are shot. The car sat somewhere for years on the ground and the floors and trunk need to be replaced, as well as patch panels on fenders and quarters. However, the area behind the back seat, or the top of the trunk area and wheel wells are in great condition with no holes.

I have done some preliminary searches for the build sheet, but have not yet found one.

Thanks to Freddie's advice above, I was able to get the rear carrier back into service tonight!!! Thanks Freddie. By the way, the washers appear to be brass, so I'll need to get two steel thrust washers from you. If you would, please PM me and I'll send payment and address info.

I'll send pics when I can. Sorry for posting such a long post. Happy Father's Day All!!!

I'll have to look, but I think the washers are $4.50 each. I can put them in the mail for about $3.