Stumped on rear axle..Please help

[csfields]

Going back together with my 71 C-10, stock 12 bolt, coil rear end and noticed that one axle sticks out further than the passenger side. Only reason, I caught this and now starting to put pieces together, was I went back and put everything new on the brakes and had trouble getting the wheel cylinder on the backing plate over the axle, due to the fact that it was closer. I tried to measure each axle without removing and they seem the same width, is this nature of the beast or something goofy going on? Seems odd. I guess the difference is maybe less than an inch? I have no history on the truck, other than I bought it, drove it for the summer and completely tore it down for frame off.

[Leftlane]

No way that's right.
One drum would need to be an inch wider.Ha!
Did you pull the axles during reconditioning?
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[southern parts]

looks like you have one wide housing ,and one narrow housing axle.

[69GWC]

When did they switch the rear end width? I know my 69 is narrower then the 72 rear end so if it has a skinny rear end but one axle could be out of the wider 72 model.
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[WIDESIDE72]

Originally Posted by 69GWC

When did they switch the rear end width? I know my 69 is narrower then the 72 rear end so if it has a skinny rear end but one axle could be out of the wider 72 model.
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X2
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[cdowns]

did you try switching the two axels side for side to see how that looks?// the two are not the same length i think if i remembeer right

[csfields]

Thanks for all the posts. I pulled both axles and from the front mount face to the tip of the axle they measure. 30 5/8 inch. Both axles are the same in length. Is this not correct? I pulled both axles and it looks like the bearings ride at different locations due to the one sticking out further. Also I attached a picture of the rear end opened up.

[Leftlane]

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[Leftlane]

I've seen that wear pattern before, looks like an axle saver bearing kit was used.
Still dosent explain the differance in stickout.
Are both axles fully engaging the inner splines?
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[csfields]

Both axles are all the way in to the center pin. This what makes me believe that the axles should be different lengths.
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[SS Tim]

Unless there is some kind of difference in the backing plates there must be a housing issue. The parts listing shows both axles to be the same length and there is a longer van shaft but these shafts are the same length, right? Anyway here is the chart to help if it will.

[csfields]

Yes both axles are the same length.
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[csfields]

I measured fromthe edge of the axle seal to the center for pin, and there is roughly 3/8 of a difference in length. Passenger side measured 30 inches and drivers side measured 29 5/8 roughly. Clueless....

[67c10rustbuket]

How wide is the housing? outside to outside of the backing plates. Both of mine (wide 5 lug housings) are 58".

[Leftlane]

Okay, try this.
We know both axles are the same overall length; which according to the chart above should be 31+15/16.
Based on your measurement to the face, I would think the chart includes stud length in overall.
So your good there.
Measure from the end of the housing flange (where the backing plate bolts to) to the center section weld.
It's possible a housing tube was replaced incorrectly.

Would seem as though you would have noticed this while driving it last summer.
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[SS Tim]

Funny, that is about the distance I came up with trying to match your pictures. But due to the distance and angle difference it was only a fairly close guess.

So there is a difference. Any sign of welding on the housing, at the backing plate or tube movement?

Can you read and post the axle code number stamped in the tube. That would give an application.

Are the drums and backing plates the same?

[Leftlane]

One more thought.
You haven't switched gear sets have you?
(on some carrier series that would require a ring spacer.)

I wouldn't think that would let your crown seat, but ??
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[csfields]

Ill try to find the stamping and get some measurements tomorrow. First impression, which side is wrong? Should it be in right or our further? To answer a previous question drums, backing plates and axles are identical on both sides.
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[67c10rustbuket]

Originally Posted by csfields

Ill try to find the stamping and get some measurements tomorrow. First impression, which side is wrong? Should it be in right or our further? To answer a previous question drums, backing plates and axles are identical on both sides.
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My impression after looking at mine is both are wrong but I am baffled as to how that is possible. Something strange is going on. If the carrier were offset from center I dont see how the crown would seat as leftlane said. The outer surface of my axles are approx 2.5" from the backing plate (with my tape measure in the middle of the forward shoe). Same on both sides. I can get other measurements for comparison if you need, I plan on pulling my axles for the last time this weekend.

[southern parts]

wide housings started in 1970, however i have seen some early 70 trucks with the narrow housing. probably left overs from 69

[csfields]

Would finding the stamping on the housing benfefit me any? On the pumpkin I found a 3896838 number, a J on the axle tube passenger side.

[Leftlane]

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[Leftlane]

When you drove it last summer, or when you first took it apart:
Were either of the drums dragging or hanging up?
Was either drum against the backing plate, or sticking out 3/4"?
If the axles are identical and the tubes are identical, the problem lies inside.
Did you remove or regear the center section?
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[Dave]

Since you verified that each axle was seated all the way up to the center pin and are the same length. This begs the question, have the housing tubes been tampered with? The wear pattern of the one axle is consistent with what I've seen over the years with trucks that had 100k plus. The wear pattern on the other axle, is different than normally seen.

[Ironangel]

Originally Posted by csfields

Would finding the stamping on the housing benfefit me any? On the pumpkin I found a 3896838 number, a J on the axle tube passenger side.

I'm wondering why that number dont show up on SSTIM's Chart? A "Franken-housing" with a Posi?