easiest way to refit rear end ?

[moray]

What is the easiest way to refit the rear end ?

Fit the springs to the car, then bolt on the axle and fit the diff, brake back plates, rear shocks, hubs and halfshafts.
or rebuild the rear axle, including diff and back plates, fit the springs and then bolt the whole lot to the car ?

are there any tips or tricks to make this job easier ?

cheers
Moray

[charlie_morris_minor]

in the past..

I make the axle up complete, diff / brake system etc. but not attach them to the springs

attach both springs at the front.

support the axle on axle stands in the approximate position that it will end up in.

attach the springs at the rear

remove the axle stands supporting the axle and attach it

this requires you to have two sets of axle stands, one to support the axle and one to support the body

[moray]

Thanks,

I don't have a second set of axle stands, but I do have a trolley jack.
I will try using it under the diff to hold the axle in place.

cheers
Moray

[bmcecosse]

Piles of wood packing don't go wrong - the axle will wobble off a trolley jack!

[moray]

ahhh yes good point, safety first