38 tonner rear end progress

[gundoca]

Just opened up the Timken rear end, found that it was full of water(no liquid lube detected just crust). First thought it was scrap but took out the ring assembly and power washed it. Looks better than imagined but there is some pitting on the teeth and the bearings are stuck on each end. Question is, are the bearings pressed on?? Thought I would ask before I apply the calibrated hammer.

 

[expavr]

I used a bearing puller with a little heat to get them off and a mallet and a large socket to drive them on. They were a snug fit but didnt have to be pressed on. Since you have the axle apart I would recommend you consider installing new 4.11 ring and pinion gears. Chuck Manzione at Chucks Trucks (http://www.chuckstrucksllc.com/startframe.htm) sells a kit with 4.11 ring/pinion, bearings and gaskets. Makes for a real driving improvement over the 5.86 gears that were standard on the large trucks. Otherwise check with Joblot (http://www.joblotauto.com/) for NOS ring and pinion gears if the pitting looks to be too bad.

 

[expavr]

On second thought that 4.11 conversion may not be available for your truck since it uses a torque tube. If you decide to talk to Chuck let him know that.

 

[gundoca]

Fortunately the tag was still attached, 9-37 makes a 4.11. At first inspection the pitting doesn't seem to bad. More cleaning and breakdown will tell more.... Wondering if the torque tube is different on a robbery.