Hello, I always appreciate the help I get here. I restored my 25 coupe between 1974 and 1982. It has given me very few problems. I am a bit older now, and it's not easy to work on it anymore. I do have a son, who is a Master Mechanic. We worked today to get the hogshead off. Bendix off - starter off - exhaust off - all bolts removed. It is hanging at the rear bell on the drive shaft. We're not sure if the plate that snugs against the hogshead will slide back. Maybe you can direct me to a good forum post. Also - I would like to have recommendations for someone to rebuild the hogshead while I have it off. I have another one that would also be rebuildable. I am in Thomasville, GA. Suggestions are welcome. Bob Curry
Robert - If you remove all 4 bolts (2 top into hogshead, 2 bottom into pan) the collar will slide back out of the way. Also helps to put the parking brake all the way forward or off engaging high gear and taking pressure off of the clutch fork.
Mike Vaughn also retired USN.
The driveshaft bell will press against the fourth main (plate that snugs against the hogshead) and will keep it from sliding back. You should be able to remove the hogshead without sliding this plate. If its a very late 25 with the ears that bolt to the block, its a little more snug but will come off. Just keep monkeying with it and you can get it off.
If the rear end spring and mountings are pressing the rear end and torque tube forward with a little force, it can make pulling the hogshead difficult to remove because it is pushing the "fourth-main-ball-cap" forward.
I did one time attach a "come-along" between the end of the torque tube where the radius rods connect to it and the rear cross member to pull the rear end assembly back about a half inch. Made the difference.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
Robert, I do a similar thing to Wayne. If you can get the 4th main cap to slide back a little, it makes putting the cover back on again that much easier. I use one of the tiedown straps I use on my trailer. One end is hooked around the end of the radius rod near the U joint and the other hooks around the rear running board bracket. Use as much tension as you need to pull the joint apart a little.
Hope this helps.
Allan from down under.