57 rear axles

[lgoodso1]

Hi everyone been reading a lot on all the builds, great Forum to learn a lot. I have a problem trying to locate or get repaired my axles, the bearing surfaces have pits and don't want to reuse with the new bearings. Only thing I have found is at Tom's differentials which then I have to replace the spider gears since there axle is 30 spline and the originals are 17 splines did get a new ring and pinion from Yukon gears for a great price, any ideas on where to find or get them repaired would help. My truck is a 57 3200 and trying to keep most of the truck original.

[Highsider]

Here is a recent thread. Seems like it had some good info.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=6647516

[lgoodso1]

Thanks Highsider, most likely will go with Toms differentials for the axles and pick up the 30 spline spider gears.

[Katrina/10]

Glad you mentioned Tom's, I did not know replacement axle shafts existed. Changing the side gears should not be a problem.

[mr48chev]

In the past I have had hard to get axles on customer cars metal sprayed and machined but that may be more expensive now than replacing the axle on one of these rearends. The cost of doing a repair like that now as apposed to the cost fifteen years ago sometimes makes the repair unproductive price wise.

[lgoodso1]

You used to get the axles repaired, it has gotten to be that its cheaper to just replace. Nothing like years ago when we repaired the parts and not replace them. There is two different web sites for Toms differential for the axles one has them for 280.00 a set and the other has them 125.00 each. Katrina/10 if you need the web address I can post it.

[mr48chev]

[QUOTE=lgoodso1;6667998]You used to get the axles repaired, it has gotten to be that its cheaper to just replace. Nothing like years ago when we repaired the parts and not replace them. There is two different web sites for Toms differential for the axles one has them for 280.00 a set and the other has them 125.00 each. Katrina/10 if you need the web address I can post it.[/QUOTE

Here locally the cost of shop time in job shop machine shops has gone sky high in the past few years. The last axle I had done cost right around 50.00 but I'd think that would be around 200 now in the same shop. Truth is the owner of the shop probably doesn't make anymore at 200 than he did at 50 with all the extra expenses and labor costs now.

[1project2many]

You used to get the axles repaired, it has gotten to be that its cheaper to just replace.

Quality is always in question in my mind with replacements but if cheap enough I will gamble. Welding and turning then duplicating heat treatment takes time and skill not always found these days.

Here locally the cost of shop time in job shop machine shops has gone sky high in the past few years.

Lots of Defense Department contractors around? It was that way in MA and CT years ago, then when the contracts started drying up you could almost get guys to pay you to get work done.

[lgoodso1]

Been checking on the reviews For KA axles sold at Tom's Differentials, so far all is good and at least they are made in USA . would prefer to pay for products made here, will see how the axles are when I get them.

[_Ogre]

never seen an axle so bad it wouldn't take a bearing
unless the bearing locked up, spun and you drove it a long time frozen
if you can get the bearing on it will work fine

if the bearing is slip fit you can use green loctite 609, it is designed for this purpose
you still need a good seal surface or the gear lube will leak
you can also use a center punch to peen the bearing surface, it only holds the bearing

post up a picture, you may still have the inner race installed

[lgoodso1]

My truck has been sitting since 1973, and when I pulled the axles out the bearings surface had a spot that was pitted bad on both axles. There has been a lot of rust on the crankshaft and trans gears from sitting so long, been finding a lot of that on the motor ,trans and differential.

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

post up a picture, you may still have the inner race installed

post up a picture

[lgoodso1]

This is the picture of the axle bearing surface and the pictures of the frame that I have completed so far.

[lgoodso1]

Here is a picture of my 57 when I first picked it up.

[dcmalone]

I lucked up and found a 61 truck in the junkyard. We pulled the third member for my Dads 51 (converted to an open driveline) and I kept the axles to have as spares. Same axles for my 55 2nd. Not sure if the 3200 is any different. you might luck up and find some in a pull-a-part yard. Just a thought. Tom's is great stuff though.

[dcmalone]

Just noticed you were in TN. Are you coming up this weekend for Goodguys?

[lgoodso1]

Wish I could head out there, but heading to Chicago. Have a job up there for about a month. Then I can get more parts for my truck when I get back.