OK... so this weekend (while still waiting on the machine shop to return my block and crank), I decided to install the monster of a 9" rear end by Currie. HOLY CRAP is this thing heavy. After the miserable experience of trying to fill the old 8.8 with fluid while installed... I decided it best to fill the housing with Vavoline gear oil (with the additive) prior to install. I had royal purple purchased, but apparently with a Posi unit, the synthetic wrecks it. So I had to scadadle back to the auto parts store and exchange it for the Valvoline.
Now, on a Saleen, there was the panhard bar, rear sway bar, tortion bars, shock mounts, and a lovely spring loaded tortion type bar that attaches to the top of the housing ("Lovely" was used as this is a PG forum)... and let us not forget the brakes with ABS sensors...
After getting all of this disconnected.... the 8.8 came out largely without a hitch....... so then I moved on to the Currie 9".
After rolling it into position on a hydraulic jack, I think to myself for a few minutes (on my creeper looking up).... I wonder if you have to re-install this in any particular order? After deep meditation, I decided that the panhard bar needs to be slid into position within the braket on the housing first. Otherwise there would be no way to maneuver it in later. From there, I reattach the tortion bars on both sides, then the shock on both sides, and then..... I realize I am unable to get the springs back on their perches (HAHAHA the springs I spend 45 minutes washing so they were back to bright red and new again)...... After removing the shocks, I was able to lower it enough to put springs on perches and jack back up to re-install the shocks.
Then, having located the panhard bar first, decided it should be bolted down next. NO LUCK. It would not align properly to let the bolt through. Back to meditation on my sears creeper looking up...... Got it. That funky little spring loaded tortion bar that attached to the top of the housing (once attached) would rotate the housing just enough forward that the panhard bar would align within its bracket.
OK gentlemen.... we have all done it. So frustrated at something seeming so simple, that you want to scream, cry and attack the part........... the stupid tortion bracket is spring loaded. I am able to pull it down (using both hands) but no 3rd hand to insert the bolt HAHAHA. Finally, I ask my wife to assist (all 115 pounds of "I don't wanna touch that, its dirty!") Finally after some coaxing, she inserts 1 inch of the bolt and streaks out of the garage. LOL I'll take it! 7 hours later in 90 degree South Florida heat!!! Done! see below
Next stop is the Tremec T56 XL swap, (unless the machine shop finishes the block and crank so I can start assembly of the Cammer!