Question on swapping out diffs

[msoylemez]

Hey guys.

I want to swap out my diff (the pumkin) on my BE. Do I just unbolt the drive shaft and the 6-10 nuts that attach the pumpkin to the diff housing (of course, I'll drain the oil before I yank the pumpkin)...or do I have to fuss with the right and left axle shafts...which means I have to undo the rear drums, brakes, etc.

Also, when I am installing the new pumpkin, anything I need to pay special attention to? I plan on changing the gasket between the pumpkin and the housing--any other gaskets or anything else I need to change while I'm at it?

Finally, please confirm it's 1.1 quarts for a BE of the high 75/90 gear oil.

Any help would be great. Thanks-

 

[mrsprite]

You will have to pop out both axles at least a few inches for the diff to come loose, otherwise it is as straightforward as you described.

You only need to remove the drum to get at the axle.....you won't have to mess with the brake shoes themselves.

It will likely take less than a quart of gear lube since you won't get it all out by draining it. I believe the actual volume is 2.1 US pints.

As for gaskets.....depending on how easily (or difficult) the axles pop out, you may need to replace the paper gasket as well as the rubber O-ring that seals the axle to the hub. A leak here will soak your brake shoes.

For the diff itself, I just use RTV. Get the good stuff that is highly resistant to oil and you won't have any leaks.