I can not break the bolts holding the Traction bar on (99 Expy), therefore i can not get the rear Diff cover off. If I used a hand pump how much fluid can I get out? Would it be enough to do any good, or just a waste of time. I have rear end chatter so I am looking for options here. I do not have the air tools necessary to do this and everthing is closed around me (hurricane Rita). What should I do?

 

You can remove the differential cover without removing the track bar. If the limited slip clutches are chattering, the ultimate fix may be replacing them, but in the meantime try adding a bottle of friction modifier through the ABS sensor opening on top of the pumpkin. Remove the sensor by removing the one 10mm bolt holding it in place and pulling it out. Use a small funnel or something and dump some friction modifier in through the opening. Go do some figure 8s and sharp turns in a big parking lot while accelerating and see if it helps any.

 

I do not see how this is possible. I have the truck on ramps right now, so if you could explain that would be great.

 

Unbolt it and slide it out. Unless if you've got the ramps on the rear wheels, to where the suspension may be loaded up and the bar is solidly in the way of the cover. I've honestly never taken the cover off one with the suspension loaded up, so this may have something to do with it.

 

Yep, wheels are on ramps, so the bar is right in front of the cover. I will try to unload the bar and see if its out of the way then. Thanks.

 

Nope, still did not work. OH well, guess I will take it somewhere and have them break the bolts on the Traction Bar.

 

Hm? The cover should slide in between the bar, down and out.

 

Well, thats what I hear. I will try that. I did not want to break the cover loose and find that I could not remove it without the track bar removed, but you and other say its possible, so I will try.

Thanks.

 

Quintin, thanks for the heads up. It worked. I pulled the cover tonight, cleaned it all up, re-painted the cover (just primer after sanding smooth), and reassembled everything. Thanks!

 

Kewl. I love a happy ending.