Installation Tip #1: Step by step installation of an LPW Support Cap Cover and Axle Tube Brace for '96-'02 Camaro/Firebird.

The following illustrates just how easy it is to install an LPW Cap Support Cover and Axle-Tube Brace.

As seen in the July 1997 Issue of "Super Chevy" Magazine.


For starters, Mike Sulzle of Straight Line Automotive assembled the components to see how everything fit together.


The pre-assembled setup looked like this. On our '96 Camaro rear-end, the shorter left support rod was designed to attach to the spring perch, rather than the axle tube itself.


After raising the car on the rack, Mike removed the bolts from the stock cover and drained the gear lubricant. In addition, the Panhard rod, wheels and brakes were removed to gain better access to the cover area and axles.

Using just three bolts, Mike attached the cover assembly for a trial fit. As per the instructions, the rod ends and jam nuts on the brace rods were adjusted so that 3/8-inches of the threads were exposed.

With the cover in place, Mike was able to determine where the mounting tabs needed to be welded on the axle tube. The tabs had to be positioned so the rod ends attaching to the axle tube were at a 90-degree angle from the cover gasket surface.

A grinding disc was used to prepare the metal for welding.


Mike first tack welded the tabs in place so he could double check clearances and angles before the final welding.

After welding, the brace rod mount was strong and sturdy.

The procedure was similar on the left side, except the brace rod mounting tabs were welded to the spring perch/Panhard rod mount. Mike used a digital level prior to welding to make sure the left support rod angle was the same as the right.

A little black paint was sprayed over the welds and mounting tabs to prevent rusting.


The heat generated from welding can create ash inside the axle tube, so the LPW directions recommend a thorough cleaning of both the axles and the inside of the axle tube before the final installation of the rear end cover and braces.

With the welding finished and everything cleaned (including the cover-mounting surface), Mike prepared the cover assembly for final installation. LPW recommends the use of silicone sealant in place of a gasket to limit cover deflection.


The cover was installed using supplied mounting hardware, and with the bearing cap load bolts backed out enough so they wouldn't contact the bearing cap. Mounting bolts should be torqued to 25 foot-pounds.

The bearing cap load bolts were then torqued to five foot-pounds.


Next, Mike installed the axle brace rods using hardware supplied by LPW.


Finally, all jam nuts on the rod ends were tightened.

With everything back together, the rear-end was filled with fresh lubricant (including the requisite limited slip additive).


The finished installation definitely looks strong and should greatly diminish any chance of axle tube flex, housing distortion, bearing cap movement or ring gear deflection.
LPW Racing Products, located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offers LPW Transmission Pans, LPW Cap Support Covers, LPW Axle Tube Braces, LPW Billet Breather and Oil Caps, LPW Dragster Lightning Chassis, and LPW Monster Racing Blocks.