8.8 rearend disassembly

Topic: 8.8 rearend disassembly (Read 4677 times) previous topic - next topic

8.8 rearend disassembly

April 14, 2011, 07:15:52 PM

Alright, so I've got the rearend out for swapping in my Tbird Sport... There's 3 different bolts that hold the caliper in place over the brake disc, one of which is VERY difficult to get clearance for. It's stuck in there on both each side of the rear (the bolt tucked down in there nearest the brake lines and caliper... it's a 15MM). That being said - any idea how to get this thing out? I hit it with PB blaster and put a wrench to it and tried to wack it out with a hammer, but it's not doing anything. It's stuck in there pretty good, and I definitely don't want to round the edges out because they're already starting to on a few spots. I tried that and a vicegrip, neither of which have done anything. Not enough clearance for a socket because the line fitting is in the way. Any help would be appreciated. I'm trying to clean up the discs and get new pads in there before stuffing it back in, but that's not going to happen if I can't even get the caliper off.

8.8 rearend disassembly

Reply #1 – April 15, 2011, 06:29:53 PM

I waited to see if someone would help you. You got some heat available?

8.8 rearend disassembly

Reply #2 – April 16, 2011, 05:40:22 AM

I don't have a torch available. Not offhand anyways, but I might need to get one (again) if I can't get this thing out. I don't really see how else I would.

8.8 rearend disassembly

Reply #3 – April 18, 2011, 02:05:26 PM

Three bolts??? I have only seen two on the Varga calipers. Can you take a picture and post it so we know what you are up against?

Darren

8.8 rearend disassembly

Reply #4 – April 19, 2011, 10:47:54 PM

Quote from: Aerocoupe;358306

Three bolts??? I have only seen two on the Varga calipers. Can you take a picture and post it so we know what you are up against?

Darren

Yeah I was actually going to do that because of how vague my request is without the actual picture. I'll see if I can grab one.

8.8 rearend disassembly

Reply #5 – April 19, 2011, 11:09:37 PM

Here's the bolt I'm talking about. I'm standing inwards towards the housing for reference.

8.8 rearend disassembly

Reply #6 – April 20, 2011, 12:23:27 AM

Torch time. A propane might get you there.
I would put the closed end of an open end wrench and slug it with a mini sledge.

8.8 rearend disassembly

Reply #7 – April 20, 2011, 01:47:58 AM

Quote from: 88CougarGT;358401

Torch time. A propane might get you there.
I would put the closed end of an open end wrench and slug it with a mini sledge.

Guess I'll be hitting Sears tomorrow. I seriously hate going there because I end up spending a LOT more than I antited.. it's Sears and gun stores I seem to have a problem with. Pray for me, haha!

8.8 rearend disassembly

Reply #8 – April 20, 2011, 11:54:37 AM

Get some Liquid Wrench and shoot it between the bolted to the axle tube and the caliper bracket. Do this a couple of times and let it sit for an hour or so. Sometimes trying to tighten the bolt will also help loosen the bolt as it may be in a bind from trying to loosen it. You can get a simple hand held propane torch from any hardware store.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_299446-717-2880088_0__?productId=3133747&Ntt=propane+torch&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dpropane%2Btorch

Another choice you have is to remove the caliper pins which secure the caliper to the caliper bracket. Once the caliper is removed you can cut the bracket so you can remove the axles. From here you can remove the four bolts on the axle bracket and now you have the axle bracket and the cut caliper bracket off the rear end. This will make getting them apart easier especially if you have to heat it and beat on it. Granted this is a worst case scenario but the caliper brackets can be bought at Autozone for about $14 each.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/1988-Ford-Thunderbird/Brake-Caliper-Bracket-Rear/_/N-ihyglZ8knus

Darren

8.8 rearend disassembly

Reply #9 – April 20, 2011, 06:39:41 PM

Thanks for the help guys. I was a little reluctant to ask such a basic question that normally I don't have problems with, but I was really stumped on this and it needs to get done. I'll see if O'reilly's has the Liquid Wrench (I think they do, pretty sure anyways). My current rear is blown to hell, so I need to start getting this one ready to go in.

8.8 rearend disassembly

Reply #10 – April 20, 2011, 06:52:26 PM

My favorite is PB Blaster (lowes, hd, az.. wherever). Also, if you have a Harbor Freight near by, their wenches are pretty good and have a lifetime warranty too. They are significantly cheaper than the sears equivalent. Plus if I destroy one using it in a way it wasn't intended, I'm not very heartbroken over it.

8.8 rearend disassembly

Reply #11 – April 17, 2012, 06:02:27 PM

I know it's been awhile, but I still have the rear and I'm trying to turn the gears so I can ensure they're 3.73's.. but I cant because that bolt is still stuck in there with locked brakes. I tried PB Blaster and that didn't do anything. I bought a MAPP torch today and lit it up. Still nothing. Is there a way I can get the brakeline fitting out so I can impact it? It's torn off anyways, so I imagine there's some way to get it out. This is the most ridiculous bolt placement I've ever had to mess with.

8.8 rearend disassembly

Reply #12 – April 17, 2012, 06:25:58 PM

I had this same problem in the salvage yard Saturday..
You'll have to cut the park brake cable strand (circled), then the fitting (left arrow, and the cable end, right arrow) will pop out of that holder, and then what's left of that cable will be out of your way to get that bolt out. I just used a decent pair of small side cutters, or diagonal cutters would work too, and by getting several small bites and a little twisting motion, was able to snip through the brake strand.

Here's your pic that I drew on to show what I mean:

8.8 rearend disassembly

Reply #13 – April 17, 2012, 06:34:38 PM

Ah, perfect. Yeah, that was my next move and what I was talking about doing. I was just making sure this was a solid move before attempting it and finding out too late afterwards. I'll give it a shot, I just need to find something to cut it with. BTW - that Bernzomatic Quickfire "gun" is an awesome tool. Definitely should've bought it a long time ago.

The fitting is being reluctant to come out at this point. Tried heating up to see if it would budge, but it's not currently. Put some PB Blaster on it for the time being. I tried vicegripping it and turning it, but the vice just slips.. even with a good bite on it.

8.8 rearend disassembly

Reply #14 – April 17, 2012, 07:14:13 PM

I'd do as Beau said and get rid of the park brake cable nub, then put a good quality six point, 15 MM 1/2" drive socket on it, and come on to it with an 18" breaker bar and (if neceesary) a 4' piece of pipe. The bolt will either turn or break. If it breaks it'll be easier to replace the caliper bracket than it would be to get the broken bolt out (something you'll probably be doing anyway, since the caliper is seized up), but at least you'd have it free of the axle.

As for getting the park brake cable nub out of the way, just get a cutoff disc on an angle grinder and cut it flush with the protrusion on the caliper. Again, you're replacing the caliper so no point wasting time trying to save it...