Hello neighbor!
I've done a couple of diffs plus talked to other folks about
it and there are at least two ways to install a diff.
The first is like you did, put the long bolt in the back in
first, then swing the diff up and bolt the "ears" up to the
front. While this is the easiest way, the frame is REALLY
close and often prevents the diff from swinging all the way
up so you have to remove the long bolt and start all over.
I'm not sure if that's your issue.
The second way is to raise the diff straight up into place
(I built a wooden cradle for my trolley jack) and sort of lay
the rear nubs in their proper place while loosly bolting up
the front "ears". Then you jostle the diff around while
swearing and trying to get the rear hole to line up.
It's difficult to be sure from your description but you may
actually have a third problem. Spitfire frames weren't
built to the most exacting of tolerances and I've been told
that when the factory went to fit the diffs, it was often necessary
to do some minor bending of the ears to get it to fit. Since
you're installing a used diff from another car, it may have
simply been bent slightly different from the original one and
the solution is to bend the ears to fit your car.
The weight of the diff and the awkward angle that you have
to work at make this a really fun job huh? At least with the
snow coming in, it takes off the pressure to get this done
right away.
Good luck!
Greg Rowe
1979 Spitfire
Hatfield PA
> Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:20:22 -0800
> From: mmilkevitch@yahoo.com
> To: spitfires@autox.team.net
> Subject: [Spits] Differential Installation
>
> Fellow Listers;
> I am in the process of installing a used Diff in my '77 Spitfire....and
it's
> quite the job. I have been able to get the rear mount in (the long bolt),
but
> I'm having some trouble getting the front mounts to bolt up.
> I am installing polyurethane bushings in this install, so I'm sure the
reduced
> pliability of these bushings are contributing to this problem.
> I wanted to solicit any tips/advice on this install....anyone "been there,
> done that" and having any useful information?
> Thanks for you help,
> Matt Milkevitch'77 SpitfireWillow Grove, PA
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