Ok im gonna be putting the new 12 bolt posi along with new springs in my 67 this weekend. Between my buddy whos gonna help me and myself we are both pretty much novices. Any advice on putting new rear end in or helpful hints, things i want to be aware of etc.... My biggest concern is getting the brakes back together and working correctly.

Safety first and throughout the job. Make sure the car is securely mounted on jack stands and doesn't fall off pushing sideways.

Spray alot of Liquid Wrench or other rust penetrant on the hardware, tonight, Thursday & Friday.

Measure diagonally from LF lower ball joint Zerk fitting to the RR backing plate flange and same measurement on the other axis. Write these two numbers down. These will come in handy when installing the new axle. This is a cross diagonal measurement and defines the squareness of the front axle to the rear axle.

You might buy a cheap 9/16 wrench and bend it into a crowsfoot. The front spring eye uses a nut clip, 3 per side, to hold the nut in place. Often through age, the nut comes loose from the clip and it spins. I made a crowsfoot wrench to reach up and secure the nut. Worked very well. Another idea is to drill a 1" hole in the floorboard above the nut and under the rear seat to place a deep socket on the nut. Your option to drill the floorboard. Then if you chose this route, you can place a regular nut and washer to clamp.

The rear shackles can come out without removing the gas tank. Replace all bushings.

Brakes are not a problem. Once the axle is removed, the backing plate can be unbolted and the whole brake assy can be removed as one unit to the next housing. Do not swap sides. Replace the brake hose, and flush the system with new brake fluid.

And a last suggestion, use copious amounts of antiseize on the threads of the hardware. You will appreciate it later in life.

Others here, I'm hope, will offer their thoughts. Think the process through. You really shouldn't have any problems. Be sure to add gear lube and limited slip additive, if required by the manufacturer.

Real men don't need no stinkin' instructions, but smart men read instructions.........

Originally posted by Everett#2390:


Brakes are not a problem. Once the axle is removed, the backing plate can be unbolted and the whole brake assy can be removed as one unit to the next housing. Do not swap sides. Replace the brake hose, and flush the system with new brake fluid.But if for any reason you need to disassemble them, just doit one side at a time, always keep one side untouched, so you can use it as a visual reference. ;)

i have found that by placing a floor jack under the rear end and unbolting the lower rear shackles you can pivot the springs and axle down. unbolt the rear from the springs and it will come straight out the back. sure beats trying to muscle the rear out sideways with the springs still attached.

good luck and do be safe.

While it's true you can get all this out with the gas tank in, it is much easier without it.

thanks for the advice. fortunately my buddy has a lift so that should help make things a little easier.

I always throw a couple of mounted tires and some cribbing 2x4's under the S/F's on each side about midways to make darn sure my car can't fall on me even if I have jackstands and small floorjacks under it.

Lately, I haven't, but ONLY b/c it's been up so long that I trust it!! I do always shake it good and hard before I crawl under her tho!!!!!

As for the broken/rusted clip-nuts, use a 4.5" angle grinder and grind the heads off and then remove the front spring mounts!! BUT please don't drill holes in your car to get to them.....................

Been there, done that!!

pdq67

If you have a digital camera, take some good pictures before you tear it apart - a good reference for putting it all back together!!

thanks for the advice guys. gonna get rolling on it in the morning. will let you know how it works out...or if i have any more questions after getting started. Thanks again

Well its done. Spent all weekend working on it. Lot of little hiccups along the way but alls well that ends well i guess. Absolutely love the new setup.