Restoring a 1967 A-Body Car Rearend

Restoring a 1967 A-Body Car Rear End

Restoring a 1967 A-Body car rear end can be a challenging but rewarding project. This guide will walk you through the process of restoring the rear end of your classic car, from assessing the damage to final testing.

Assessing the Damage

The first step in restoring a 1967 A-Body car rear end is to thoroughly assess the damage. This involves a careful inspection of the entire rear suspension system, including the axle, leaf springs, shock absorbers, control arms, and all associated hardware.

Here’s a checklist of things to look for during your assessment⁚

• Rust and Corrosion⁚ Check for rust and corrosion on all metal components, including the axle housing, leaf springs, control arms, and brackets. This can be a major problem, as it can weaken the structural integrity of the rear end.
• Cracks and Fractures⁚ Inspect the axle housing for cracks or fractures. These can occur from impact damage or from years of stress. Also, examine the leaf springs for cracks or breaks.
• Bent or Damaged Components⁚ Look for any bent or damaged components, such as the axle shafts, control arms, or shock absorbers. Any damage to these parts can affect the alignment and handling of the car.
• Worn Bearings⁚ Inspect the bearings in the axle housing and wheel hubs for signs of wear. Worn bearings can lead to excessive noise and vibration, and ultimately failure.
• Leaking Seals⁚ Check for any leaks from the axle seals or wheel bearing seals. These leaks can indicate worn seals or damaged axle shafts.
• Misalignment⁚ Look for any signs of misalignment, such as uneven tire wear, excessive camber, or toe-in/toe-out. These can be caused by damaged suspension components or improper adjustment.

Once you have a good understanding of the damage, you can start planning your restoration strategy. You may need to replace some components, repair others, or simply clean and repaint them.

It’s important to remember that safety should be your top priority. If you’re not comfortable working on a car, it’s best to take it to a professional mechanic. Don’t attempt to drive a car with a damaged rear end, as it could be dangerous.

Disassembly and Inspection

After carefully assessing the damage, it’s time to disassemble the rear end for a more thorough inspection; This process involves removing all the components and cleaning them individually.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to disassembly and inspection⁚

1. Support the Vehicle⁚ Use jack stands to safely support the car, ensuring it’s securely lifted off the ground. This is crucial for working safely under the vehicle.
2. Remove Wheels⁚ Remove the rear wheels, making sure to note the lug nut torque settings for reinstallation later;
3. Disconnect Brake Lines⁚ Disconnect the brake lines from the rear axle, taking care not to damage them.
4. Remove Shock Absorbers⁚ Disconnect and remove the shock absorbers from the car. Make sure to note the orientation of the shock absorbers for reinstallation.
5. Disconnect Control Arms⁚ Disconnect the control arms from the frame, paying attention to any bolts or nuts that may require special tools or techniques.
6. Remove Leaf Springs⁚ Carefully remove the leaf springs from the axle housing, making sure to note the orientation of the spring pack.
7. Remove Axle Housing⁚ Lower the axle housing with the differential still attached, using a suitable lifting mechanism.
8. Inspect Components⁚ Once the rear end is completely disassembled, carefully inspect each component for damage, wear, or rust.
9. Clean Components⁚ Clean all the components thoroughly using a wire brush, degreaser, and a cleaning solvent. This will help you identify any further damage and prepare the components for reassembly.
10. Inspect Bearings⁚ Inspect the wheel bearings for damage, wear, or excessive play. If necessary, replace them with new bearings.
11. Inspect Axle Shafts⁚ Inspect the axle shafts for any damage, wear, or signs of leaking seals. Replace damaged or worn axle shafts.

While disassembling, take detailed notes on the condition of each component, marking any issues or damages for future reference. This will help you during the reassembly process and when sourcing replacement parts.

Remember to wear safety glasses and gloves during this process to protect yourself from potential hazards.

Parts Sourcing and Preparation

After a thorough inspection, you’ll likely need to source replacement parts for your 1967 A-Body rear end. Finding high-quality parts is crucial for a successful restoration. Here’s a guide to sourcing and preparing parts⁚

1. Identify Needed Parts⁚ Based on the inspection findings, create a list of parts that require replacement. This could include items like leaf springs, shock absorbers, bearings, seals, brake components, and potentially the entire axle housing, depending on the severity of the damage.
2. Research Part Suppliers⁚ There are several reliable suppliers for classic car parts. Look for reputable suppliers who specialize in restoring A-Body cars from the 1960s. Consider checking online forums and communities for recommendations from experienced enthusiasts.
3. Compare Prices and Quality⁚ Once you’ve identified potential suppliers, compare their prices and the quality of their parts. Read reviews from other customers to assess the supplier’s reliability and customer service. It’s often worth investing in high-quality parts for a more lasting restoration.
4. Order Parts⁚ Place your orders for the necessary parts, making sure to double-check the quantities and specifications. Ensure you have all the required parts before proceeding with reassembly.
5. Prepare Parts for Reassembly⁚ Before installing new parts, it’s essential to prepare them for proper integration with the rest of the rear end. This may include cleaning, greasing, or applying sealant to certain components.
6. Clean and Lubricate⁚ Clean all new parts with a suitable solvent to remove any protective coatings or manufacturing debris. Apply grease or lubricant to bearings, seals, and other moving parts, as recommended by the manufacturer or repair manual.
7. Install New Bearings⁚ If replacing bearings, ensure they’re correctly installed in the axle housing. Consult a repair manual or seek guidance from an experienced mechanic if unsure.
8. Inspect and Seal⁚ Inspect all seals and gaskets for damage or wear. Replace them with new seals as needed. Apply sealant to components like the differential housing and axle tubes, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Remember that proper part preparation is essential for a successful reassembly. Taking the time to clean, lubricate, and install parts correctly will help ensure the longevity of your restored rear end.

Reassembly and Adjustment

With all the necessary parts prepped and ready, you’re now ready to reassemble your 1967 A-Body car’s rear end. This process requires precision and attention to detail, as proper assembly ensures the rear end’s functionality and longevity. Here’s a breakdown of the reassembly process⁚

1. Install Axle Shafts⁚ Begin by carefully installing the axle shafts into the differential housing. Ensure the splines on the shafts engage smoothly with the differential gears and that the axle shafts are properly seated.
2. Mount Differential⁚ Position the differential assembly onto the axle housing. Ensure the differential is properly aligned and secured using the mounting bolts. Refer to your repair manual for torque specifications.
3. Install Leaf Springs⁚ Attach the leaf springs to the axle housing and the car’s frame. Use the correct mounting hardware and ensure the springs are properly aligned and secured. Adjust the spring pack height to achieve the desired ride height.
4. Install Shock Absorbers⁚ Mount the shock absorbers to the axle housing and the car’s frame. Ensure they are properly aligned and secured. Refer to your repair manual for the correct torque specifications for the mounting bolts.
5. Connect Brake Lines⁚ Connect the brake lines to the brake components on the axle housing. Ensure all connections are secure and leak-free. Bleed the brakes after reconnecting the lines to remove any air trapped in the system.
6. Install Wheels and Tires⁚ Mount the wheels and tires onto the axle shafts. Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications. Ensure all tires are properly inflated.
7. Adjust Rear End Alignment⁚ After reassembly, it’s essential to have the rear end aligned to ensure proper handling and tire wear. This involves adjusting the camber, toe, and caster angles to factory specifications. Consult a professional alignment shop for this step.
8. Test Drive and Fine-Tune⁚ After the rear end is reassembled and aligned, take the car for a test drive. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations. Adjust the rear end components as needed to achieve the desired ride and handling characteristics.

Remember that reassembly is a critical stage, requiring meticulous attention to detail. Always refer to your repair manual or seek guidance from a qualified mechanic if unsure about any steps.