4bolt rear swap Options

[turbohcar]

What all is involved in switching the rear hubs from a 3bolt to a 4bolt? I was told that you would need a special press to get them in and out, just verifying the validity of this statement. Thanks

[turbohcar]

Also, would there be any known problem with just using the 3bolt axles and intsalling the 4 bolt diff? If intsalling the 4bolt hubs is going to be too much trouble I'll just try and do this.

[KOU In3]

The biggest point of the swap is to get the 4 bolt axles. Just doing the center diff isn't going to do you much good unless you currrent center diff is toast.

The 4 bolt axles are what is less likely to break on those hard launches and 12 sec passes.

[MyEclipseRuns11s]

You need the entire assembly to do the swap: PUmpkin, axles, axle cups, and bolts to connect the axle to the cup. 4 bolt axles are thicker in diameter. That is why they don't snap as much as 3 bolt axles. That's the other reason why you can't just buy 4 bolt axles and cups, you NEED the rear diff as well. If you are semi mechanically inclined, afford yourself about 3-4 hours for the swap. 2-3 if you have power tools.

[natedogg]

Here's the vfaq.
http://www.vfaq.com/mods/4bolt.html

Its a pretty easy swap. 6 bolts connect the rear diff to the car. 2 from the sides, 2 at the rear, 2 on top. The top ones are the toughest to get at. Try to jack up the car so the rear suspension is completely unloaded This allows the diff to drop down a little esp. when the other 4 mounting bolts are out. The axles and driveshaft bolt on/off easily. The hubs are held on by a 27mm nut in the middle of the hub. You'll see it when you remove the axle. After the nut is removed, a few taps on the hub and it should come right out.

[turbohcar]

I've already pulled the old (very very toasted) diff from my car and I've dissasembled the 4 bolt to the point that all I have to is unbolt it from the input driveshaft, slide it back and down. I actually took the easy way out of getting the top 2 bolts undone by using an air chisel to the interior floor panels behind the rear seats since I won't be reusing them. After all is buttoned up and ready, I plan on welding a patch in and grinding the welds flat and covering them up with carpet.

Thank you natedogg for your answer. This

The axles and driveshaft bolt on/off easily. The hubs are held on by a 27mm nut in the middle of the hub

. was exactly what I was looking for. I should be able to complete the swap this afternoon if not early tomorrow (mom will have to wait lol) and I'll get back to you guys when it's complete. Thanks

[turbohcar]

4 bolt swap is finally complete! Sorry for the delay, an unforseen trip to Michigan was made in the middle of the week and put my swap plans on hold. The swap was unbelievably easy. I've taken roasted 3 bolts rear ends out but never had to unbolt the driveshafts (just lower the rear end and let the axles slip out of the rear end) and wasn't totally sure of the difficulty. I've taken some pics and I'll get them up ASAP.