1963 12 bolt spider gears cupped (Thrust) washer?
 

So I am changing the bolt pattern on my 63 rear axle. When I pulled the spider gears out of my open diff. there were no cupped washers? I wouldn't have even noticed if I hadn't watched a few Utube videos showing them being put in. I have a receipt of the rearend being completely rebuilt around 4000 miles ago. I have put about three thousand miles on the truck, no noise and the spider gears look fine? Any Ideas? Could they have NOT come with them in 63?
Thanks

Re: 1963 12 bolt spider gears cupped (Thrust) washer?
 

I experienced the same discovery as you do now. I got spiders and thrust washers from another diff, so that i can go with 5x5 axle shafts i bought. When i opened rear i also saw no washers, installed washers and the other gears dont go in, so i took washers out and assemble , drove it some time now and no issues .
The 63 diff is just an oddball, had issues with seals for wheel bearing being 0.040" smaller on od .
Here in south africa its really a hunt finding imperial size seals, i ended up buying metric seals and shorten the inner spring to seat id on shaft, all good so far.

Cheers.
Adriaan.

Re: 1963 12 bolt spider gears cupped (Thrust) washer?
 

I have read on the internet that sometimes they weren't used. I had a 68 rearend that had one on one side but not the other. If it's working fine I think I'd leave it alone.

If you decide you need some be careful ordering them. Some of the ones they sell don't fit because they have a raised lip on the inner ID.

Related thread with source for new ones. https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=848797

Re: 1963 12 bolt spider gears cupped (Thrust) washer?
 

Thanks guys, for the help. The rearend was built by a reputable shop that has retired and no longer in business so I cannot ask them? So, I assume he knew what he was doing. With that and your replies I'm going to put it back together and run it.