I just discovered my '78 Alfetta needs the DeDion triangle swapped due to previous accident damage. I'm trying to locate a used unit and want to make the swap as painless as possible.

Anyone who has done this job please chime in with any advice, a general step by step would be helpful! Thanks in advance,

GH

By Gregg on Unrecorded Date:

If anyone would rather email me directly regarding the above post I can be reached at ghanne@nextest.com. Thank you.

GH

By vincent on Unrecorded Date:

It not so difficult to do. You need to drop the Dedion axle while supporting the transaxle gearbox on a stand(leave the rear mounting alone). You will need to dismantle the exhaust, driveshafts. THis is best done if u have a hoist to jack the car high up, leaving lots of room for you to work underneath.

By Chip on Unrecorded Date:

It's not too hard, the worst part is going to be removing the axles... as they are usually VERY tight and if you strip the allen heads you're screwed! I did it with an impact gun and they all came right out... hopefully you'll be as lucky! ;-)

Okay, you wanted step by step... so here you go:

1: jack up the rear of the car and support with 2 jackstands under the factory rear jacking points

2: remove rear wheels

3: remove exhaust

4: support front end of transaxle (maybe use a large jack stand or 2x4s)

5: disconnect left & right forward trans mounts from DeDion

6: disconnect watts linkage from body

7: disconnect axels from rear hubs

8: disconnect shock absorbers & sway bar endlinks from DeDion

9: Remove 6 bolts attaching front DeDion crossmember to body of car

10: make sure you aren't underneath it so it doesnt whack you on the head when it comes down!

Reassemble in reverse order, yadayadayada ;-)