mcarlson93

I'm working on my rear coupler right now. I got the grub screw out no problem just took some patience and I took the 12mm bolt off the forward part of the shifter. The problem I'm having now is the coupler is on the selector shaft pretty good still. Did I remove all necessary bolts and screws from the coupler? And if I did what the best method to get the coupler off without damaging things? I'm thinking a hammer should do it but want to check with you guys first so I don't break it lol

Randy V

Model year of your car?

SeanR

If it is stuck on the shifter side and not the transmission side, squirt it down with PB Blaster or Kroil. Then you can work it loose. If it is still stuck then pry the clamping part away gently then pull it out.

If it's stuck on the transmission selector shaft, again, squirt it down with the above and try and rock it side to side/back to front. I had to pull one transmission to get one off due to it being corroded on and the set screw welding its self to the shaft.

Good luck.

FBIII

How about heating the coupler while having a wet rag on the transmission selector shaft?

mcarlson93

It's a 79, but I got the set screw out and it looks pretty clean, no rust or corrosion so I don't think that's doing it. Both my bushings were gone so maybe on the inside there's dirt or something. I've been soaking it with liquid wrench. Gonna try heating it up again in a minute

mcarlson93

Yeah it's still on there very solid. I'm done for the day, I have to work in a couple hours. But as of right now I'm thinking it will need some force to get it off. I've got a hotter torch I'm going to try first. Idk lol I was worried about the set screw and that came off very easy once it was heated, then this happens. I'm going to think on it and tackle this problem tomorrow. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

It's stuck on the transaxle side, not to the ball cup.

FBIII

The top of the coupler has a flat. I'd check to see if there is another set screw on top. If the coupler was covered by a decent rubber boot and protected from the elements, it should slide right off.

mcarlson93

The rubber boot was shot so there was no protection from the elements for who knows how long

mcarlson93

I checked one of the pictures I took of the coupler on the car and there's no set screw on top.
Do you think that some of the locktite they put on the grub screw could've got to the selector shaft and caused the coupler to stick?

Dave928S

Here's a pic to make the discussion easier. The shaft (3) that goes through the coupler body and bushes can be pressed out, as you can see, to separate all the components.

Have you got the coupler body (4) off the selector shaft into the gear box? If not be careful removing it as impact could be transferred along the shaft ... that is don't hit with a BFH.

If you only have to get the coupler shaft (2) out of the shaft going forwards (1) you can apply a bit more persuasion. Loosening the bolt on (1) fully and levering in the gap between the flanges with a screwdriver, to open up the shaft, will help to get the coupler shaft (2) out.

Guy

I just did this job on my 79. I had a good boot and a clean assembly overall.

I used a large screwdriver to open the "clamp" slightly on the shifter end and a small prybar to pop off the selector shaft end. Job was almost too easy. I too was worried about the set screw.

mcarlson93

I'm thinking if some more heat and gentle prying doesn't do the trick, I'll disassemble the coupler while it's connected to the selector shaft and put bushings in that way.
Since the set screw came out clean I'm really frustrated that it doesn't just slide off lol. This was supposed to be the easy part!

mcarlson93

Hey Guy... How did you go about prying it off the selector end?

Mrmerlin

I am going to guess that your coupler has been fitted to the trans with possibly some green loctite ,
given that the boot was missing , it quite possible this was done to prevent the coupler from moving again.

To remove it use a Mapp gas torch with a wet rag placed on the shaft next to the transmission.
Heat the aluminum and once the part gets to about 250F it should come off,
NOTE have a charged hose standing by , incase their is any unwanted fire

mcarlson93

I hope it's not green loctite, I hear that stuff is a pita which I guess would be what this is turning into anyway