Re: Centered Differential Axle Questions


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Posted by Paul(in NY) [12.64.102.122] on Monday, September 03, 2012 at 23:11:02 :

In Reply to: Centered Differential Axle Questions posted by Jeff in Buffalo [67.240.133.10] on Monday, September 03, 2012 at 22:07:38 :

I am running centered rears on all my old iron.

1. Axles the same strength as far as I could find out after much research.

2. You need to drill and tap the flange holes for 7/16" studs. This drill/tap must be done on a Mill or drill press where absolute accuracy can be done. If the holes are not perfectly vertical, the 3rd member will not plug on the studs. On the early housing you mention, two areas on the rear axle 3rd member flange will need some grinding for clearance for the 9.625" 3rd member. You will probably need to use three
differential housing gaskets. Some axle housings were modified with a steel ring welded on. There will be a Tag welded to the bottom of the axle housing (center) that says USE ONE GASKET. If you need to use three gaskets, BE SURE they are the original
Surplus gaskets. These gaskets are easily ID'ed as the have a smooth surface on both sides. THe gasket thickness is correct. Correct gasket thickness is essential for proper axle alignment and not breaking axles.
I ran into this issue with aftermarket gaskets that have a pebble finish on the surfaces on both sides. These gaskets are to thick. And with three gaskets as was required, I could not even get the axle to plug into the 3rd member. I did a complete write up on this problem a few years ago. I dont know where it is in the archives but some searching on Gasket thickness, pebble surface gaskets etc should kick it up. Its very critical not to use the new aftermarket gaskets.


3. Yes

4. You will need a deep 3rd member cover, very hard to find. You could also fab a spacer of the proper thickness

5. If you can locate a late 9.625" rear, you will save a lot of work.

Look on the Helitool (Uglytruckling) web site. Ray has a good write up and great pictures of all three centered rear housings. The direct link is;

http://www.uglytruckling.com/Technical%20Topics/centered%20rear%20axle.htm



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