Rear Axle Venting

RobR'35

RobR'35

Well-known member
One thing I've noticed on these Ford rear axles is they are not vented. Model T to 1948.
All later makes to today vent the rear axles.
Did all these earlier Ford axles vent in a way I'm not seeing?
 
You know I thought that at first but then there is a seal within the torque tube up by the drive shaft bearing/ speedo drive gear.
 
As stated, the torque tube rear axles have a much larger volume that allows more expansion than the later axles. When you convert a torque tube axle to an open drive it is a good idea to add a vent. I run a quick change and you really need the vent added to allow a pressure release as the gears heat up. Without a vent the axles tend to force gear lube past the axle seals and into/onto the brake drums.
 
When I installed a Mitchell in our 46 I had to add a rear end vent in addition to the vent that comes with the Mitchell..
 
I've been pondering this exact topic recently. I was changing the rear axle gear lube in my 1.5 ton truck and noticed a venting of pressure when I removed the fill plug. The axle was at room temp (not warm from driving) when I did this. Does anyone make a vented fill plug for these bigger truck axles?
 
Joe777 said:
I've been pondering this exact topic recently. I was changing the rear axle gear lube in my 1.5 ton truck and noticed a venting of pressure when I removed the fill plug. The axle was at room temp (not warm from driving) when I did this. Does anyone make a vented fill plug for these bigger truck axles?
Click to expand...

If the plug has NPT threads, it would be easy to get a hose nipple to replace it, and run a hose up to the frame.
 
I put a vent in the (closed) drive shaft housing. Close to middle.
I had tried to put a vent using the fill plug, and also at the side of one of the bells, using a drilled bolt.
All of these trials failed- oil came out.
I drilled the tube put a fitting and a small fuel filter on that.

Karl
 
As Karl said, stay away from the center-section, it will throw oil out. Top of the axle housing is where I would put the vent. Run a tube (rubber hose) from the vent fitting to the height of the frame and then "J" it over. You don't want to pick up any water with the vent tube!
 
I vented the driver side 36 bell in my avatar right wherexan 8 or 9" rear would be vented before I installed the open drive 3:54 center section using a vent from a 8 or 9" rear. I also drain the rear in my car every winter with all of the driving I do with it. Usually a 85-120 or so rear fluid works great for me ...
 
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