'33 Rear End Question

Joe AZ

Joe AZ

Senior Member
I've taken the rear drums / hubs off of my '33 1/2 ton pickup for the first time for brake inspection....I noticed that I have lateral movement in the ends of the axles on both sides. Are the ends of the axles supported by the bearings, races, and the hub on the taper, or do I have a problem that needs to be addressed?
Thanks for any input, Joe
 
With the hubs removed, you should notice a little in and out movement of the axles. What you are feeling is the end clearance of the axles within the differential. This movement should not be very much at all but it should be detectable. You may also feel radial movement of the axles as there is nothing except the outer axle seal to maintain its radial location without the hubs and bearings in place.

If the axle seals (inside the axle housing near the outer end) have never been replaced, the axles may feel like they have a lot of Radial (up and down or side to side) movement. No problem except under certain situations, you may get excess rear axle lube out into the rear wheel bearings and on to the rear brake linnings.

Chris
 
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