ok..so..stock gs rear..im having some trouble taking the pumpkin out..me thinking its as simple as it looks..i unscrew all the little screws around the pumpkin but it still doesnt come completely out..im thinking i need to take the axles out in order to take the pumpkin off but i dont kno how to take the axles out..anything wuld be helpful...thank you guys
i was looking in other sections and all i find is lsd rear teardowns but my rear is non-lsd so that probably makes a big difference...

 

yes, you must remove the axles in order to remove the diff. tear down the brakes until all you have is the wheel cylinder and backing plate. remove the brake line or lines (left has two lines) and them remove the four 12mm nuts on the reverse side of the backing plate. from there, you will need and axle puller and you will need to thread at least two bolts through the puller to secure it to the axle. from there you use the puller to remove teh axles. once both are out and the rear diff is drained, remove teh driveshaft and the 8 (i think) bolts that secure the diff to the housing. if you need pics let me know. i might have some saved..

 

diff installed in housing:



diff removed:





axles removed with puller:



pic of rear drum brakes for reference

 

well i dont have an axle puller...and the rear is not mounted on the car...is there anything i can do to get around getting an axle puller? maybe some good ol fashioned elbow grease?

 

I rented the axle puller at Checker and it was $80 to rent but you get it all back when you return it. THe first time i did it I tried without the puller and I couldn't wet it pulled. WHen I rented the puller it took about 5 min a side.

 

the puller is the only way...once the puler is attatched, it takes about two or three pulls and the axle is out. the force it takes to remove the axles is pretty high. i dont believe you would be able to remove the axles without the puller without damaging anything..

 

On a similar subject. What is the best way to get the axles back in?

I have always used a sledge hammer and wood.

 

I've always used a sledge hammer and wood as well.

 

Trash what you have, then find a rear end from a GSL. That way you get a limited slip rear end, and rear disc brakes too. Plus, you won't have to worry about finding an axle puller.


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