TP355Z

Hey fellas - looking for some opinions. And since everyone has them - LETS HEAR IT!

Was working on the car yesterday polishing my wheels. I go to tug the rim off before I finished unbolting the lugs and got a good *chunk* out of the axle. I have ~1 inch of play in and out (in the direction of the axle) on both wheels. Is this normal or can I start worrying?

Also - the car HAD posi. I say had because I grabbed 1 wheel and jerked it hard and the other didn't even spin nearly as fast (in the same direction of course). I'm wondering...normal or again, problem?

Help a brother out.

Thanks guys!

TRP

PhLaXuS

Uh...huh...Off the top of my head, the only way I can think of that happenning is if the pinion shaft cracked apart inside the case. If that's what's going on, it could be dangerous, but I'd like someone else to follow up with this one because there may be rear end variations I'm not aware of.

84ZMIKE

Time to open her up and see what is going on......DO NOT DRIVE IT....nothing worse than running down the road and loosing an axel.....good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TP355Z

Ah...so...uuh...anybody know a good rear-end shop in ct?

Check the following qualifications:

Engine Rebuild: X
Paint / Body Work: X
Transmission Swap: X
Rear-End Rebuild: ....DAMN!


TRP

PhLaXuS

You can check it yourself for about $20 in supplies (fluids & gasket). I don't know any shops in your area. I've only visited the New London area for a short time and know nothing else about CT at all.

TP355Z

Well, had the rear end looked at. My posi is definitely smoked and I think I may have to replace my axles. What's the general concensus? I could drop a 4th gen rear in. But I'm unsure as to wheel clearance issues (1.5 inches wider on each side) and whether the 4th gen rear having traction control is an issue...

Thoughts?

PhLaXuS

I love the look of the fourth gen rear on our cars. Some people hate it. Looks MEAN...

I believe strangth is about the same, but since it's not as old chances are one from a yard is gonna be in better shape than a 3rd gen rear. I've never heard of traction control issues, but then again I didn't know they had it. Electronic?

88 350 tpi formula

iTrader: (9)

an inch? that seems a bit much........... you would hear noises big time.


anyway since it moves I will assume it is a 10 bolt with drum brakes

some is normal, how much well I don't have a specific spec. I can tell you though if you even had close to an half inch the c-clips would have fallen out long ago and the axle would have walked right out.. making a big growl noise (had it happen to one with no wear)


if I had to guess I would guess you are shocked by the movement and are thinking it's an inch when it is much much less

TP355Z

Its 1/3 inch. measured it. Much less, sorta. lol. Axles and posi definitely shot. Now I dunno what 2 do...

Tyler

PhLaXuS

Hmmm...seems like a lot, but off the top of my head, that could be OK. From what I remember the last time I was in my diff, that seems to be about the amount of play I had, but that's off of a memory from a year ago...

TP355Z

Well, I had a guy that does rear ends...*snicker*...look at the car and he was alarmed by it - plus I've been hunting a noise in the back of the car for some time...I think this may be it.

Basically, I'm torn between a 4th gen 10 bolt and a junkyard 3rd gen 10 bolt. I like that a 4th gen rear could have low miles and be nice and fresh (and stronger) but I don't know how to overcome the wheel spacing issue w/o buying new rims.

Maybe I'll just bite the bullet and get the strange 12 bolt. lol
If I get my Pratt internship thats the plan. But I'm still open to ideas.

Tyler

JamesC

iTrader: (5)

You don't mention why you might be forced to replace your axels. If they're simply grooved a bit where they ride on the bearings, you could swap the bearings with the off-set variety which allow the axel to ride in a different place. The off-set bearings are, IIRC, around $30 per.

JamesC

TP355Z

No, no. The axles would be shot by way of the severe endplay - i.e. - if the C-clips were worn out badly in their grooves or if the end of the axle shafts were mushroomed over from contact.

Tyler

JamesC

iTrader: (5)

Have you verified what you suggest? Anything is possible, of course, but I'd be very surprised.

JamesC

PhLaXuS

Crikey. Sounds like a dream.

As I understand it, 4th gen rims on the car and with spacers on the front only will have stock offsets and look normal.

TP355Z

The cover comes off tonight boys. I'll post updates.