Rear axle R&R

A quick update today; Sig's finished up the rear axle rebuild with all new bearings and seals, as well as installing the Powertrax limited slip.  Comparing the final result to the picture, you will see everything is new except the axle, axle shafts, and ring and pinion gears.  Keep your parts if you ever restore a car - that little bracket you see at the top of the axle holding the brake lines is $45 to replace!  Thankfully I have most all of the original parts in the basement so finding and cleaning this little parts is reasonably easy, and saves me some money. 

I did not show the tear down, but you can see what we started with in the picture above.  Several broken bolts, lots of rust, wasp nest, and those annoying upper control arm bushings added to the enjoyment.  I found a slick method on Youtube if you ever have to replace the bushings:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPXf1OR9Lnk

Below are a few pictures of the rear end assembly.  The brake kit is from CPP as part of the Pro-Touring Stage 3 kit.  They calipers dropped right on (after painting), although one of the three t-bolts does not work with my axle.  I bought a 3/8 grade 8 bolt instead for one position that solved the problem. I don't know why they use t-bolts, a regular bolt would be easier and work better.  The instructions were terrible, but thankfully there isn't a lot of ways you could do this wrong.  I don't think that I found one, at least that I can tell at this point.

 Next step was installing the new cover. It isn't necessary to have aluminum, but doesn't it look cool?  This is one of those things that I have always thought helps set the rear look of the car, a little bit of jewelry under the bumper.  Two quarts of Royal Purple gear lube filled the case; I will check the level once the axle is in the car.

 Here is a better look at the disc brake that replaced the stock drum setup.  They won't fit behind the 14" wheels, but I'm planning on at least 17's for the final ride.

 The springs are new, with refurbished spring seats.  This is about as far as I can go without the frame.  You need a BFH to put the bushings back in, and that is easier done in the car.  With new seals, disc brakes, and posi-traction, the rear axle should give excellent performance for the next 50 years.  Just don't ask what this part alone cost ;)  It is where the rubber meets the road, so money here is hopefully well spent.  It felt good to empty out a couple boxes from the basement.  Hopefully the frame will be ready soon and I can empty a few more!