differential reassembling tips

19mustanggt87 · 01-26-2009

I have a 1987 gt with an 8.8 rear end. i am in the process of replacing a bent axle but as i was taking the old one out one of the side gears slid out of the differential. to put it back i had to take the square shaped spring out of the middle and put the side gear back in and line everything back up. my problem is when i went to put the spring back in everything shifted slightly and would not line back up to get the pinion shaft back through to lock everything in place. does anyone have any tips as to how i could get the spring back in without disturbing the gears? im thinking compressing it would work but i dont have any ideas as to how to compress it and get it in at the same time because its such a tight fit.i appreciate any and all help. thanks!

**RLG34750** · 01-26-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19mustanggt87

I have a 1987 gt with an 8.8 rear end. i am in the process of replacing a bent axle but as i was taking the old one out one of the side gears slid out of the differential. to put it back i had to take the square shaped spring out of the middle and put the side gear back in and line everything back up. my problem is when i went to put the spring back in everything shifted slightly and would not line back up to get the pinion shaft back through to lock everything in place. does anyone have any tips as to how i could get the spring back in without disturbing the gears? im thinking compressing it would work but i dont have any ideas as to how to compress it and get it in at the same time because its such a tight fit.i appreciate any and all help. thanks!

the info you seek can be found within

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forum...838-post6.html

BIG G · 01-26-2009

hi , what i do is install the cross shaft with out the spring just to make shure it all lines up , just slide it in then remove it but leave it in 1 of the gears os its no sticking out the other side of the 1 gear so you can install the spring after you install the clips. big G

19mustanggt87 · 01-26-2009

thanks! you both helped a lot!

**EagleAutosports** · 01-26-2009

Glad they helped you out.