rear end S-clip

[dpmeeks]

ok thanks for all the help CW

[dpmeeks]

another question.. when i go to swap out the rear ends, how do i keep the spring from flying out when i disconnect the axle from the control arm ??

[Cwhatfield40]

LOL Dude, you really need to purchase a good book. Most Haynes and Chiltons service manuals available at your local auto parts stores have a procedure for removal and installation of the axle.
> Here is the procedure typically I use:
USE GOOD SAFETY PRACTICES WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING THE REAR AXLE.
IF YOU GET HURT SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE, YOU CANNOT HOLD THIS FORUM OR ASSOCIATES LIABLE IN ANY WAY.

1. I use a 4 ton 3 foot long hydraulic jack to lift the car by the differential.
2. Then I put jack stands under the rear frame boxes where the lower control arms attach and lower the car until the weight is settled on them.
3. Usually I undress the axle here, although difficult to get under the car, the axle is very secure and makes it easy to loosen all the bolts. (I use additional jack stands here for safety)
4. Then I jack the axle up slightly from full hang and remove the shock absorbers. >From this point on, I make sure that I never get any body part between the axle and the ground.<
5. Now I remove the upper control arm bolts on the body.
6. Then I slowly lower the axle until the upper control arms pop out.
7. I stop here and recheck everything like brake lines and such to make sure I am not hung up anywhere.
8. Then I slowly lower the axle down and it rotates back-wards a bit causing the springs to bow slightly.
9. As I keep lowering the axle, the springs usually fall out on the ground and make a lot of noise.
10. Now I remove the bolts on the body side of the lower control arms.
11. Then I pull the jack backward with the axle on it.



INSTALLATION:
I simply reverse the order to install the axle.
>>On step 9 I make sure that my jack is pulled rear-ward on the differential as much as is safe and that helps to force the springs back into position.

THESE ARE MY METHODS AND MAY CONTAIN ERRORS OR OMISSIONS.

[Erics SVO]

Don't forget to chock the front wheels too!