Please give some advice on fixing HO -52

[Sklptrljay]

So I picked up a trailer made out of a 72 Longhorn. It has an eaton HO-52 rear end. The guy who I got it from, removed all the guts and made a homemade plate which is leaking. I can reseal that no problem, but the axle seals look to be leaking also. There's oil all over the brake drum, and I'm not sure what to do.

I'll admit my ignorance here a little bit, I've never messed with this type of rear end and I really don't know where to start. I looked up some threads but they weren't too helpful to someone who is a novice like me at this. Could anyone give me a straightforward way to go about fixing this, or possibly a link online that could walk me through this?

Also if anybody would want this rear end, I would be interested in trading for a 5 or 6 lug rear end with rims and tires, the one I have on the trailer right now has brand new tires. This one is probably only good as a housing. I have all the guts, but I can't guarantee that they are good to reuse. Also he cut the axles. When I wrote that out it sounds pretty crappy, but hey, someone might really want it!

[seth7843]

Here are some good articles/posts that will hopefully get you started in the right direction:


General info on HO52s and 14 bolts:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=536119


How to change the brakes on a HO52:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=660022


How to swap to disc post. This has some good info even if you're not trying to convert to disc brakes.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=183452

[Davidf]

I am not familiar with the diff in question. But, generally, you would pull the cover, remove axle spacer block, push axle in toward center and remove the "C" clip keepers from the axle. The axle then comes straight out. Pull the seal and replace. Check axle bearing while you have the axle out.

I imagine the ring gear is missing and thus the flat homemade plate can be used and the pinion does not turn.

[Longhorn 70]

I don't remember the Eatons having C clips. To remove the axle, just unbolt the 6 bolts from the hub and pull. There is a paper gasket on the flange.

To replace oil seals is kind of a pain. This is from memory so I may have forgotten steps. You have to pull the axle. Lift the wheel off the ground. Remove tire/wheel. Make sure the brake shoes are loose. Then loosen the lock nut. Bend locking tabs out of the way. Loosen the retaining nut. Remove outer bearing. Pull hub/drum assembly off. Remove seal from hub.