I need to determine what spline axles I have in my 89 before I leap into the gear/diff swap. My Haynes instructs that I need to remove the brake drums in order to gain access to the axles. Is this true? It looks as if there are a few many steps just to check the spline count. If this is true, which side is easier to check?

Can't I just remove the C clip and pull? I think I've seen that happen before. As a matter of fact, the mechanic didn't even remove the wheel.

If I have 26 spline axles, should I replace them myself or let the shop, who quoted me $250-$350 for the gear/diff swap (depending on how many times they need to shim it), do the job.

Any advice?

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89 Formula 305 TBI
160* stat, 200* fan switch, K&N, Headers, 3in Flowmaster (hollow cat) back, pullies, 1.6 full roller rockers, B&M trans cooler, home-made ram-air
3.73 Richmond gears and SLP Zexel Torsen Posi (waiting for install)

 

Wrong Board. My mistake! Can I get a lift to the drivetrain board please?

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89 Formula 305 TBI
160* stat, 200* fan switch, K&N, Headers, 3in Flowmaster (hollow cat) back, pullies, 1.6 full roller rockers, B&M trans cooler, home-made ram-air
3.73 Richmond gears and SLP Zexel Torsen Posi (waiting for install)

 

you should have 28 spline axles. i'd say it might work if you left the wheel and tire on, but it isn't hard to remove the wheel and tire first either, and no matter what you have to jack the car up.

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ICON Motorsports

1st & 3rd

 

You will have to remove the brakes, since the caliper is mounted to a bracket, which in turn is mounted to the axle housing. If you yank on the wheel/rotor/axle without the c-clips installed, it will just hit the outer pad and caliper.

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1989 IROC-Z 5.7L
NOS 150HP kit
ProBuilt 700R4, PI Vigilante 2800 stall lockup
Baer Brakes 12" Sport System

 

I have drum brakes on my rear. My manual says that in order to remove the axle I would have to take off all of the rear brake hardware. Is there a way I can just remove the C clip and slide the axle out a few inches or so to check how many splines?


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89 Formula 305 TBI
160* stat, 200* fan switch, K&N, Headers, 3in Flowmaster (hollow cat) back, pullies, 1.6 full roller rockers, B&M trans cooler, home-made ram-air
3.73 Richmond gears and SLP Zexel Torsen Posi (waiting for install)

 

With drums. You have to remove the wheel and the drum. Then drain the fluid from the housing, then take the cover off. You then rotate the ring gear until you can see the bolt in the carrier. Take the bolt out and slide the rod out. Push the axle in and the c-clip should just fall off, if it doesn't just take a pair of needle nose pliers and pull it out. Gently slide the axle out, but be carful not to put too much stress on the outer bearing. Clean, and count! Its simple. Instalation is the reverse of removal.

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• 89 Formula 305 WS6
  SFC's,
  LCA's,
  Air foil
  Flowmaster cat back
  Tranny Cooler
  A/F Ratio Meter (not a mod but it sure spurs interest)
  Trans Temp Gauge
  Most "Free" Mods
• 90 Eagle Talon 2.0
  (winter beater)
  Mods? HA! its a rice burner!

 

Thanks! You da man!

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89 Formula 305 TBI
160* stat, 200* fan switch, K&N, Headers, 3in Flowmaster (hollow cat) back, pullies, 1.6 full roller rockers, B&M trans cooler, home-made ram-air
3.73 Richmond gears and SLP Zexel Torsen Posi (waiting for install)