51 custom diff cover gasket, need help!!
 

Hey guys, my rear diff is leaking around the gasket and I’m trying to take the cover off to repair it. I’ve pulled the driveshaft and took all the nuts off the flange bolts, but can’t get it to split, my question is, do I need to remove the yoke at the diff? I’ve noticed there’s a big nut holding it on, or is there anything else I need to do or be cautious about when I take it apart? I don’t have any knowledge about these diffs and I can’t find any information.

I basically need the steps needed to replace the rear diff gasket.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!

Re: 51 custom diff cover gasket, need help!!
 

Maybe a stupid question, but have you pulled the axles? BTW, car or station wagon?

Re: 51 custom diff cover gasket, need help!!
 

No haven’t pulled the axles, do I need to? It is a car

Re: 51 custom diff cover gasket, need help!!
 

Yep, if it does not have a rear differential cover, generally the axles have to be removed.

Re: 51 custom diff cover gasket, need help!!
 

Okay thanks, I have the l side brakes and drum off and I took the 4 bolts out that hold the axle in, but when I pull on the axle it won’t budge, am I missing something?

Re: 51 custom diff cover gasket, need help!!
 

Yup, a slide hammer.

Re: 51 custom diff cover gasket, need help!!
 

Those "bridge" looking things in the lower right are specifically intended for this exact purpose. You can usually rent one at an "Autozone" or similar parts store.

In a pinch you really don't need one. The last one I did involved a short length of chain bolted to a couple of wheel studs, a length of pipe, and a concrete block (I was a lot younger then).

Re: 51 custom diff cover gasket, need help!!
 

Ooops, double post. Sorry.

Re: 51 custom diff cover gasket, need help!!
 

Before you yank an axle out with a chain you really should hook up another chain to the rear spring or something so that when the outer axle bearing brakes loose the axle flange doesn’t get you.
I was jerking on one with the car three feet up and when the axle came out it got me in the forehead. Knocked me out. Still have dent in my skull from a lug stud.

Re: 51 custom diff cover gasket, need help!!
 

I have used a brake drum as a slide hammer to pull rear axles out. Turn the drum around backwards and screw the lug nuts on about three turns, flat side toward the drum. You now have a slide hammer. Slam it a few times and the axles usually pop loose.

Re: 51 custom diff cover gasket, need help!!
 

Thanks everybody for the help I ended up getting it out by hooking a ratchet strap to my nearby truck and giving her a few taps with a hammer. Not real professional, but it worked. I had no idea how these were assembled, this is my first time taking one apart, I understand now, but I appreciate everyone’s input!!

Re: 51 custom diff cover gasket, need help!!
 

Have someone help you with pulling the thing out, it is HEAVY and hard to handle by yourself. Don't ask me how I know. Al

Re: 51 custom diff cover gasket, need help!!
 

Axles are heavy???

Re: 51 custom diff cover gasket, need help!!
 

WARNING now you got the axles out mark the top of the diff unit so you refit it correctly some will go in upside down [ caved the rear of the car in punched the workbench thru the garage wall and still had to deal with the embarrassment and my old man rolling around laughing till he realized it was his garage but he couldn't wait to tell all his mates

Re: 51 custom diff cover gasket, need help!!
 

Yes haha I thought I was going to break my wrist pulling it out!