Cheers James, I am definitely going with paint. The paint system I am using is also much better than the factory so I am sure it will protect it for the next 40 odd years. You are right about the preparation as well. Powder coating, like any covering is effected by inferior prep. I had some powder coating back a couple of years ago where they hadn't blasted properly and the coating just flaked off in my hands. At least when you do it yourself you are a master of you own destiny and spend as much, or as little time on the job as you want.
I have started stripping down the rest of the diff tonight. I want to drop the main swing arm pin that holds the stuffed bush and also the right hand axel tube. I have been looking at the breakdown and on this side of the car it appears there is a circlip on the diff end of the shaft. I am after some guidance on the best was to pull this main pin out.
At this point I am thinking.
1) Drain the oil (stupid but I havn't done it while in the car)
2) Drop the clamps holding the flexible boot
3) Release and carefully knock out the tapered locking pin in the diff housing that prevents the pin from being withdrawn
4) Undo the main retaining nut on the front end of the diff
5) Use a drift to try and knock the pin out. Try not to damage the end of the pin.
6) Once the pin is out I should be able to slide the half shaft axel from the sliding taper and pull away the entire axel and axel tube. Is there a retaining circlip on the very end of the half shaft that will prevent me from doing this?
I would really appreciate if someone can review this and let me know if I have anything messed up.
If I am correct it might be easier to then work on the half shaft on the bench.
I am wondering if it down to the level of decomposition if I should then keep on going and strip the half shaft right down and check all the bearings and replace the seals. Do I reseal the main left hand diff casing in case its leaking??? Where the hell do you stop?
Joe, Dr Benz, anyone?