The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Center section swap-out

I have a rebuilt center section with the 3.38 gears that i want to swap out for the factory 3.90 set in my '56 3100. This is the "3rd member" assembly (R&P, Carrier, side gears, etc), not the whole axle housing. I a looking for guidance on how to make this swap. I assume the major steps will be 1) drain lube, 2) remove - or slightly pull out - the rear axle shafts, 3) exchange center sections, 4) reinstall axles. 5) refill gear oil, 6) road test.

I am unfamiliar with the rear axle removal (step 2) part. I will read the shop manual, but that is often not the clearest of instructions and frequently references specialized tools which are unavailable. So, if a stovebolter can share knowledge/experience or web resources on this process i am sure i can figure it out in conjunction with the manual.

i did search the archives and surprisingly, there wasn't too much out there...

thanks

Remove the wheels and brake drums. Drain the gear oil, remove the rear cover. There is a block held in by a special bolt between the axle shafts. Remove the block and the "C" clips on each axle. The axles can then be removed. Remove the drive shaft. Remove the bolts on the differential "pumpkin" and drop it out, preferably with a floor jack. Check your axle seals, bearings, & axle shafts for wear, etc. Reassemble in reverse order with new gaskets, sealant, & gear oil.
Fred

thanks Fred - that sounds a lot simpler that what the shop manual has in it (pgs 4-3, 4-4) which talks about a peening operation and special tools.