- Joined
- Sep 12, 2015
- Messages
- 7,654
- Reaction score
- 2,777
- Location
- SW Ontario
- My Car
- 1971 Mustang Mach 1, M code, 4 speed.
I've been planning on pulling the rear axle for some time as I have no idea if or when the oil was changed. In July of 2017, I replaced the rear springs and checked the rear brakes while I was at it. I noticed an axle seal was leaking so the rebuild was put on the 'to-do' list. Last year was pretty much a loss due to a hip replacement. Now fit again and the car put to bed for winter, I decided to pull the axle today, a nice sunny day at 50 f, so not too bad to work on the car. As I only have a single car garage, it's a bit tight working on it, but I got the job done. As most of the bolts were removed recently, it was an easy job.
With the axle out and on blocks for now, I noticed two things. 1/ the axle tag was missing. 2/ the sealant around the carrier is BLUE! That tells me the axle has been apart before, but when? I have not yet tried to clean the casing, ran out of time, but I'll try to see what if any other markings are on the case. The date code on the casting is not very clear, but appears to be 1 B 5. I'll look closer tomorrow. 1 B 5 would still be a match to the build date of the car, Feb 22 1971, so I'm pretty sure it is the original axle, hope so!!
On Thursday, it will go to the shop. I want all the bearings and seals replaced and checked for ware. There are no unhappy sounds from it, so I think it will all be good.
It is supposed to be a 3.25:1 open dif and I really don't have a concern that it is not as it should be. I have been offered a completely rebuilt Trac-Loc for 300 bucks IF I want it installed. Thoughts?
Geoff.
With the axle out and on blocks for now, I noticed two things. 1/ the axle tag was missing. 2/ the sealant around the carrier is BLUE! That tells me the axle has been apart before, but when? I have not yet tried to clean the casing, ran out of time, but I'll try to see what if any other markings are on the case. The date code on the casting is not very clear, but appears to be 1 B 5. I'll look closer tomorrow. 1 B 5 would still be a match to the build date of the car, Feb 22 1971, so I'm pretty sure it is the original axle, hope so!!
On Thursday, it will go to the shop. I want all the bearings and seals replaced and checked for ware. There are no unhappy sounds from it, so I think it will all be good.
It is supposed to be a 3.25:1 open dif and I really don't have a concern that it is not as it should be. I have been offered a completely rebuilt Trac-Loc for 300 bucks IF I want it installed. Thoughts?
Geoff.