Prop shaft removal

[Dellb]

Hi All
When I was rebuilding my 1980 C3, the body was off. Fitting the prop shaft to the diff was a breeze. Now I am considering a 200-4R/700R4 tranny conversion ( to get the rpm down on motorways) with body on, I cannot for the life of me see how to remove the rear joint caps. The car has the aluminium diff with the snubber plate blocking all access to the joint. I can get a socket on a long extension to the bolts, but my concern is how do I put it all back together. Has anybody done this without dropping the entire diff?

 

[Forrest Gump]

It‘s always going to be a bit awkward but that is the method I’ve used a couple of times - a socket on a long extension. Turn the diff as necessary to get to each bolt, put the handbrake on if you need to stop it turning when final tightening.

 

[Dellb]

Thanks for that Forrest.
Yep I can get at the bolts, and then remove the shaft. My concern is how do you get the straps and bolts back? There seems to be no room to get a hand anywhere near.

 

[Forrest Gump]

I think you'll only get your finger tips in from the sides to help guide it back in, but I can assure you it is possible! Bring the bolts in with the socket.