Need Differential Advice - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

M5Yates · 05-03-2004, 10:31 AM

We let the tranny fluid get old and low on Grandpa’s 1954 3100 5-window. The transmission bearings let go. After rebuilding the tranny (3-speed manual), the mechanic inspected the differential and said it needs to be replaced. There are grooves in the gear teeth and the bearings are shot. He says that rebuilding the differential is difficult and it would be cheaper to replace it with a used unit. That would include the pumpkin and the attached drive-shaft.

This is a nice original truck with only 35,000 miles, but is there any alternative to using the diff from another ’54? Is a rebuild that difficult? (I understand that there are some leather pieces.)

Thanks,
Bill Yates
Austin, TX

rebarjoe · 05-04-2004, 04:23 AM

I just looked at a sectional view of a rear and see no leather parts you refer to. I think the only difficulty in rebuilding will be to get the gears. The bearings will probably be the easiest to get. If you can get all the parts I'm sure it will be kind of pricey to rebuild. Maybe your best bet is to get a used unit with good gears. I had the rear on my '70 Ford p/u rebuilt about 10yrs ago and it cost $500 then. Get the numbers off the bearings and see if they are obtainable. Try NAPA, they might even have a ring and pinion. Obsolete Parts in Nashville, Georgia might have the parts also. Good luck

70shortnphat · 05-06-2004, 09:58 PM

You can download their catalog. See page 7 Part#05-511 "rear axle overhaul manual" $5.99
Page 76 Part#93-5111 "axle gears" (3.55 ratio only) $399.95
Page 76 Part#93-512B "install kit" (Bearings, bushings, gaskets, shims) $274.95

M5Yates · 05-06-2004, 10:23 PM

I called Chevy Duty this morning. Their 3.55 gear set is described as "bolt-in". I spoke with the tech and he said it was an easy job, it just took a long time. Well at $75 an hour, I don't want my mechanic doing "easy but long" work.

We found a used diff in North Texas for about the same cost as the new gears ($400 plus shipping). Thanks all for the advice. Now I've got to get the speedometer working again.

Bill

solidaxel · 05-27-2004, 04:08 PM

Why did you not change the rear to a Camaro or Monte Carlo the Monte is the right width. Did your truck have a open drive shaft?

M5Yates · 05-27-2004, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solidaxel

Why did you not change the rear to a Camaro or Monte Carlo the Monte is the right width. Did your truck have a open drive shaft?

That's the first time I've heard of an alterative to the original diff. I wish you had seen my request earlier. The drive shaft runs through a tube.

Thanks,
Bill

PS The truck is now for sale.

solidaxel · 05-27-2004, 04:42 PM

Bill, I sent you a P M

M5Yates · 05-27-2004, 05:45 PM

Here's a listing: http://tinyurl.com/2wlo4

I'm asking $12,900.
Thanks,
Bill

05-03-2004, 10:31 AM	#1
M5Yates Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 7	Need Differential Advice We let the tranny fluid get old and low on Grandpa’s 1954 3100 5-window. The transmission bearings let go. After rebuilding the tranny (3-speed manual), the mechanic inspected the differential and said it needs to be replaced. There are grooves in the gear teeth and the bearings are shot. He says that rebuilding the differential is difficult and it would be cheaper to replace it with a used unit. That would include the pumpkin and the attached drive-shaft. This is a nice original truck with only 35,000 miles, but is there any alternative to using the diff from another ’54? Is a rebuild that difficult? (I understand that there are some leather pieces.) Thanks, Bill Yates Austin, TX Attached Images

05-04-2004, 04:23 AM	#2
rebarjoe Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 31	I just looked at a sectional view of a rear and see no leather parts you refer to. I think the only difficulty in rebuilding will be to get the gears. The bearings will probably be the easiest to get. If you can get all the parts I'm sure it will be kind of pricey to rebuild. Maybe your best bet is to get a used unit with good gears. I had the rear on my '70 Ford p/u rebuilt about 10yrs ago and it cost $500 then. Get the numbers off the bearings and see if they are obtainable. Try NAPA, they might even have a ring and pinion. Obsolete Parts in Nashville, Georgia might have the parts also. Good luck __________________ Joe '49 GMC 100 '70 Ford F100 351m/400 '95 GMC Jimmy '98 S-10 4.3 Vortec 5 speed stick

05-06-2004, 09:58 PM	#3
70shortnphat "See the U.S.A....." Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Richmond TX. Posts: 269	visit Chevy Duty pickup parts website You can download their catalog. See page 7 Part#05-511 "rear axle overhaul manual" $5.99 Page 76 Part#93-5111 "axle gears" (3.55 ratio only) $399.95 Page 76 Part#93-512B "install kit" (Bearings, bushings, gaskets, shims) $274.95 __________________ 1970 short bed fleetside 1949 all origional chevy 3600 1974 camaro Richmond , Texas(just S.W.of Houston)

05-06-2004, 10:23 PM	#4
M5Yates Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 7	Chevy Duty I called Chevy Duty this morning. Their 3.55 gear set is described as "bolt-in". I spoke with the tech and he said it was an easy job, it just took a long time. Well at $75 an hour, I don't want my mechanic doing "easy but long" work. We found a used diff in North Texas for about the same cost as the new gears ($400 plus shipping). Thanks all for the advice. Now I've got to get the speedometer working again. Bill

05-27-2004, 04:08 PM	#5
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Why did you not change the rear to a Camaro or Monte Carlo the Monte is the right width. Did your truck have a open drive shaft? __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

05-27-2004, 04:42 PM	#7
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Bill, I sent you a P M __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

05-27-2004, 05:45 PM	#8
M5Yates Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 7	'54 Chevy 3100 Here's a listing: http://tinyurl.com/2wlo4 I'm asking $12,900. Thanks, Bill

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