Need to replace a bent axle
 

I did some searching around and im trying to figure how many splines are on the axle besides taking it apart. I have a 12 bolt in my 61. Im not sure if its the original rear.

I have seen number like 28 and 30 splines. Is there a way to tell without pulling it apart?

Thanks
Steve

Re: Need to replace a bent axle
 

if you are not sure if it is the original rear , how is any here supposed to know?
that leaves you to taking it out to be sure, otherwise you are just guessing.
ron

Re: Need to replace a bent axle
 

You have a point there.

Re: Need to replace a bent axle
 

A good starting point would the #'s on the outside of the axle tube.
6 lug or 5 ?
Does the panhard bar mount come off the tube or the pumkin?
The iffy years should be '63-'65?.
Even with all this info it still could have been changed.
Like Pad said ,we'd still be guessing!
You're gonna have to replace it...so just pull it!
All in all it's a pretty easy task.....Unless it's your DD lol
T

Re: Need to replace a bent axle
 

Its at a shop right now so I cant get numbers of it.
6 lug and panhard bar mount is on the pumpkin.
When it comes back with the tranny rebuilt it will be my DD.

Re: Need to replace a bent axle
 

If the panhard bar mount is on the pumpkin, then it is a '65 and newer, which have 30 spline axles. Although I would still recommend pulling the axle to verify.

Re: Need to replace a bent axle
 

Would that range be from 65-72? Im not sure when the leaf springs came in at.

After some more thought, this rear came from a wrecked truck. It must have been bent in a wreck then salvaged and bought again. It has written on the pumkin 21k which I assume was the milage when salvaged. Who knows when that was done.

Thanks again for the help.

Re: Need to replace a bent axle
 

'65-'69 (and some early to mid '70).
'71 and '72 are 5 lug and have shorter axles.
Yes,leaf springs could be had in our trucks,the last year for coil sprung was '72
T

Re: Need to replace a bent axle
 

Correction. Starting in late '70, the differentials were actually 1.5" wider overall than the early '70 to '63 12 bolts. So each axle is aprox .750" (3/4") longer. Yes the 5 lug wheel bolt pattern did start in '71.

Re: Need to replace a bent axle
 

Yes, Cap't you are correct,WTF was I thinking,Esp. when this is something that I KNOW.!
Ummm,my data entry device(finger)was not calibrated correctly....LOL
Thanx for the save Cap't
Trent

Re: Need to replace a bent axle
 

No problem....I have those moments too :lol: