1957 Corvette RestoMod
Chapter 6: How To Disassemble the C4 Corvette Rear End
Chapter 6: How To Disassemble the C4 Corvette Rear End
| "How To" for the Beginner! |
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| About Chapter 6 In this chapter, we take an entire rear end of a C4 Corvette and disassemble it to its individual components. The C4 Corvette was in production from 1984 to 1996, and improvements were made throughout the production run. My donor car for the rear suspension was a 1995 convertible automatic, and I have big plans for its upgrade. This chapter will help you for any C4 year you may have. |
| With 15 clear-cut steps and 39 revealing photos, this chapter will help you make short work of disassembling your C4 rear end. This chapter starts by giving background on my rear end purchase. Then, the pieces of the rear suspension and drivetrain are identified through detailed color photos and pointers. The tools you will need are then listed - they are also extensively illustrated throughout the chapter as they are used. Finally, you are shown the safest method to secure the rear end while working to disassemble it. The work area is fully described for ease of work and your safety. |
| The basics of the C4 Corvette suspension are explained fully in this chapter. You will understand the components and engineering GM used to make a world-class handling package. The chapter then turns to disassembly. Each part is removed in a very specific sequence. And all tools needed for each nut and bolt are described for you. The rear leaf spring is mounted just like the front spring - in transverse relationship to the chassis. And like the front spring, there is tremendous energy stored in it, so the absolute safest method is used in my book. And, I also give you other methods to use to remove this potentially dangerous component. |
| Whether your donor car is intact, or the rear end is separated from the car like mine, you will benefit from the pictures and descriptions in this chapter. All beginners have to start somewhere, and my book speaks directly to the novice hot-rodder of Corvettes. |
| The chapter also explains many aspects of the Dana 36 carrier - only used by the C4 automatic Corvettes. I tell you how you know if you have a Dana 36, or its bigger brother, the Dana 44. And etched markings on the carrier shell are decoded for you. This will definitely help you when it comes time to rebuild the unit, or get other replacement parts. |
| We take the entire braking system off the car as a whole. In Chapter 7, detailed instructions are provided on how to rebuild and restore all pieces of the rear brakes. Control rods and shock absorbers removal are extensively described next. And what parts you will need to keep are identified. |
| The chapter finishes up by illustrating in great detail how to remove axle shafts and spindle rods. And important tips on how to mark and store these location-specific parts is described for you. The carrier is then removed from the frame - and safety suggestions are outlined for you. Finally, the chapter gives you pointers on how to organize yourself and the parts for easy and confusion free restoration. |