The Chevrolet Corvette does not have a traditional rear axle assembly like many rear wheel drive vehicles. Instead, it has an independent rear end, which consists of the rear end assembly itself (sometimes called the rear differential) and half shafts that transfer the power to the wheels. If you ever need to change out the gears in the rear end or just need to service the unit, it helps to remove the rear end from the car so that you have better access to the parts.
Lift the rear of the Corvette with the jack and put the jack stands under the car. Make sure the rear wheels are at least two inches off of the ground. Unbolt the leaf spring from the sides of the suspension using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket and an open-end wrench, then remove the center clamp with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Lower the leaf spring out of the suspension.
Unbolt the end links bolted to the center of the backside of the rear end with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket and let the end links hang down. Unbolt the end links from the suspension with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket and remove the end links from the rear end. Unbolt the power arms from the rear end housing with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket and an open-end wrench, then let them drop down to the ground.
Unbolt the half shafts and the drive shaft from the rear end using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Let the drive shaft and the half shafts hang. Put the jack underneath the center of the rear end.
Unbolt the side mounts and front mounts from the rear end with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket and an open-end wrench. Slowly lower the jack down to lower the rear end out of the chassis. Pull the jack out from underneath the Corvette with the rear end onboard.
