Stupid rear end question

W

walls

Senior Member
Is there a way without taking apart or driving to tell the condition of a rear?
I have two and want to start taking the brakes apart and cleaning.
Just not sure if one is in better shape than the other.

Thoughts or advice?
 

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if you can, open the drain plug and shine a light inside, if you see rust, walk away. spray brake parts cleaner in the hole, plug it and shake it up a bit, drain into a bucket and see if you see the forbidden glitter, if so, run. otherwise, go for it.
 
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You may also want to check the ratio to see which one will better fit your needs. You cna do it by marking a tooth and slowly rotate it and count the number of reves the brake drum makes vs the ring gear.
 
Brian SATX said:
You may also want to check the ratio to see which one will better fit your needs. You cna do it by marking a tooth and slowly rotate it and count the number of reves the brake drum makes vs the ring gear.
Click to expand...

Or count the teeth on the ring gear. Most common ratios; 39=3.55, 34=3.78, 37=4.11,
 
J Franklin said:
It doesn't take much time to pull one side off and check thorouly.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the replies.

I’m thinking this is the best idea, but a little intimidated to be honest.
I’ve never opened one up before.
Words of wisdom?
Can I inspect without messing with anything critical?

I checked the one repair manual I have and not much on the rear.
 
As mentioned, remove the spring with a spreader and some care first. The hubs & axle keys will need to be removed to disassemble them. Once that is done, remove the left side bell from the center banjo and mark it for left side in case the whole unit is disassembled. The whole final drive assembly can then be pulled out in one piece. The torque tube and drive shaft with pinion can be removed before or after but the left radius rod has to be removed to pull the bell off for just an inspection or minor repair.

The only stupid question is the one you should have asked but didn't. Your question is completely valid for a first timer.
 
I’m going to dig in this weekend and see what I find.

While we’re discussing, is there anyone in Philly/Allentown/Lancaster PA that can rebuild for me if these are not in the best shape?
If that’s the situation I find myself in, I might want to use a 3.54 gear to get a couple more mph.
 
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