401 rear axle removal

[JohnG]

Hi all i am new on here, I am currently restoring a 401 and am having problems removing the rear axle, it appears that the top centre axle fixing (probably a ball joint) and the two outer lower ball joints need to go in different directions for the axle to be removed. does anyone know the correct proceedure and order parts should be removed.

Thanks for any help you can give me

[Geoff Dowdle]

John,
The procedure is step by step in the Workshop Manual, I recommend you get a copy.

But if you want to continue I suggest you , drain the diff oil , support chassis on axle stands and centre of diff on floor jack , remove the hand brake cable , flexible brake tube , wheels , brake drums (to reduce weight ) and possibly the exhaust tail pipe . Disconnect the drive shaft .
Loosen the "A bracket ball joint nut " and lever the A bracket free from ball bolt .
Remove LH & RH rear suspension arm nuts and with an appropriate puller
remove the suspension link on each side from the torsion bar arms , these parts are connected on a tapered shaft .

The complete rear axle should be free to then remove .
If you retain the exhaust system the RH Axle shaft /hub & brake assembly /backing plate will have to be removed and the diss assembly removed on the LH side.
I've found if you reduce the overall weight by removing axles , hubs, brakes etc makes the job easier .
The correct style puller is essential as some of the parts have never been apart before .
Sometimes the use of two floor jacks ,one on the drain plug and the other near the front of the pinion allow you to get the diff in the correct position to loosen the A frame ball joint.

Why does the diff have to be removed ?

Geoff

[JohnG]

Hi Geof

Thank you for your reply, I feel I have achieved those steps, except levering the A frame off,its probably seized, I havent tried very hard to release it as it looked like the angle the A frame needs to pivot up to release it was fighting the outer ball joints which have both been released, after reading your reply I now have more confidence to concentrate on that top centre joint, Thank you Geof.
Weight isnt an issue, as I have a fork lift to raise and lower the car and tressles for the axle to rest on, I am removing it along with most other removable parts to inspect,repair, tape up and then blast end re-spray them, I want my car to look and be as good as it possibly can, I have a road compressor and blasting and spraying equipment, it has waited patiently for me for forty years for some Tlc, and the time has arrived !!