Swapping Center Section - Need Advice and Guidance

[The Satellite Cometh]

Guys,

I am going to be swapping out my 2.76 8 3/4 rear (741 case, small pinion) with a 489 case 3.55 Sure Grip unit very shortly.

The entire "drop" or "center chunk" will be swapped.

Do any of those on here have any advise for me? I am not a mechanic by any stretch and will be doing this myself or with my brother in law who has swapped a rear in a Ford Bronco in the past.

Is there anything I need to pay special attention to? Any special tools needed? Any adjustments necessary?

The center section was cleaned up, rebuilt, new Tinken bearings and has a new set of Motive Gear 3.55's in it.

Thanks for all the help guys, this is my first major project with my car.

Don

 

[Cranky]

First off, make sure the splines inside where the axles go in are in alignment. If they are not, you will have some problems getting the axles in all the way. Also, make sure the center thrust pin is in place. If it's not, you will never be able to adjust the axle's end play. If you cannot get the axles to go in all the way, do NOT put the nuts on and try to pull them in as you will only bend the retainer plates. Other than that, it's straight forward. I use a floor jack these days instead of trying to boyhandle them in and out....they're 80 lbs at least. You might also make notice of what yoke is on the new one. It may not be the same.

 

[The Satellite Cometh]

Thanks Cranky - I appreciate it. The new 489 case I bought is rebuilt with new bearings all set up with 3.55's in it - I saw the yellow marking glop on the gears so I am pretty sure it was all adjusted. Bought it from a very highly rated eBay seller that I have grown to trust.

What kind of silicone bead should I apply to form the seal? Any torque specs for the bolts?

My car is a '68 Satellite with the 2.76 rear now, so I am about 95% sure it is the small yoke. The new rear has the small yoke too.

Hopefully the 3.55's will get the car moving with the 727 TF tranny and .509 Purple Shaft.