Reinstallation of rear suspension

[kikkoman]

I've got the rear subframe, differential, axles and driveshaft all separated getting prepped and ready to go back on the car soon. Can anyone share the installation sequence that's the easiest? For example, I've read some that have installed the subframe with the diff attached all in one piece but I'm thinking that might be more difficult to keep balanced with extra weight to deal with. Also, would re-installing the driveshaft be easier before I install the diff or after? This is almost the last step (still have to attach and bleed the brakes) before I finally take the car off the stands in almost two months so I don't want to make it any harder on myself. TIA.

[Jaxx_]

I would suggest subframe, diff, driveshaft and then axles. If you have a transmission jack you could probably do the subframe with the differential.

re-install the driveshaft after you have the diff on. make sure the transmission is in neutral.

[nrubenstein]

On a transmission jack, I put it in fully assembled.

Without the diff, balancing it is very hard.

[kikkoman]

Unfortunately, I don't have a transmission jack but do have two jacks I can use to support on two sides which I'm hoping should make it bit easier to balance.

Without the diff, balancing it is very hard.

Very true if you mean the trailing arms keep moving up & down independently throwing the whole assembly off balance. I'm trying to figure out a way to keep the trailing arms still during the lift up to the car.

[MR 325]

Even on the ground at home I do it all as one piece. Complete trailing arms, brakes, axles, and diff. I just use a single floor jack and a friend to help line the subframe up with the studs. Do the driveshaft after the subframe and diff are in.

[kikkoman]

Sounds good, Matt. Let me know if you have a few minutes to stop by over the weekend to check everything out for me before I start putting everything back on the car. What are neighbors for, right? :)

[MR 325]

Sounds good, Matt. Let me know if you have a few minutes to stop by over the weekend to check everything out for me before I start putting everything back on the car. What are neighbors for, right? :)

I can probably do that on Sunday.

[kikkoman]

Great, just swing by anytime in the afternoon if you have a few minutes. I just did get the subframe on earlier today with the diff attached by using a moving dolly to hold everything in balance while I used a jack on both sides to raise it up to the car. Piece of cake! Hopefully cv axles and the rest of the stuff for the rear will go on tomorrow so I can be one more step closer to finishing this project.

[jlevie]

I assemble the complete rear suspension (subframe, diff, & trailing arms), balance the assembly on a floor jack, and lift it into place.