Fact: Most clinicians recommends a clean rear end.
I popped the rear drums off the tapered axle before I removed the rear end from the chassis as I need leverage to get drum off. I removed the nut several months ago and soaked the axle in PB Blaster. I think that wicked in a bit as it did not take a ton of effort to pop them loose.
Axle out.
Uhhh, it’s a gooey one!
I looks like the differential oil that leaked from the input flange just turned into some petrified stuff. I spent way too much time with the pressure washer and wire brushes. Well, it’s clean now.
Drain baby, drain!
Another reason to remove the axle was to remove oil and dirt residue that was caused by the leaking pinion seal. Laying upside down scraping goo is NOT my favorite pastime. The good news: After a life in northern California, the bottom is rust-free.
After cleaning and prepping, the floor gets a coat of 3M rubberized undercoating. That should protect the bottom for another 60 years.
All the bushings are getting replaced.
Since the bushings have been in place for more than 61! years, using some heat will excite the molecules and expand the metal a bit.
I like the smell of burning rubber and exited molecules in the morning!
Even with heat applied, the 40 ton press had to work pretty hard.
I pressed in the new bushings before I painted the arm as it would get scratched in the press. Fresh bushings = GOOD!
“Arms of torque” All the hardware was cleaned and painted.
Axle painted. I am just going to re-install the rear axle and put the drums temporarily on the tapered shafts so I can get the car up on the lift. Then I can do pinion seal, axle bearings and brakes.
I am not going to re-plate all the bolts under the car. However, after cleaning, they need to be protected. This spray galv zinc finish works pretty well and it looks decent.
These torque arms are different from side to side, they have a slight bend inward.
The rear is getting Lesjöfors 30mm lowering springs matching the fronts.
There it is. Next on the punch list: Rebuild rear brakes, brake line plumbing, exhaust and interior. Phew! The goal is to drive this car to the All Swedish Meet at the Swedish Club June 8th. If you are in Washington state, see more info here.
