I recently had the rear end for my 37 ford modified, narrowed, new gears, new posi. When it was done and dropped of at my shop by the builder, I asked about posi additive and I was told, it didnt need it because it was a true-track. I then said what kind of oil, but I said it so fast after my posi additive question, that the builder didnt realize I was asking a new question. He responded with, its good to go. So like an idiot I assumed he meant it had oil in it and was ready to go. I installed it and took it out for a spin. I got about 4 miles on the freeway before it locked up, and I skid about 150 ft. up hill! I almost didnt make it to the shoulder. When I got done shaking, I had it towed back to the shop and called the builder, It was then I realized I had misunderstood him and therefore my fault. He did tell me I most likely just seized the pinion bearing, and that they will go about 3 miles dry, it made me feel good that he knew that, because that means Im not the only idiot out there, forgetting to fill his rear end. I took some pics with my phone waiting for my best buds AAA. <p>
That's a shame. I checked this thread out because I thought you were a FNG .You should of known Better. I hope it doesn't cost you to rebuild again.
While I personally know to check anyway... and I understand your situation... I find a lot of builders put a tag on assembled engines or diffs that says "NEEDS OIL!" in big letters on a brightly colored tag lol... I'm glad you didn't lose it or run into something. Looks like a cool car. Too bad about the miscommunication. -Chris
Hopefully he can realize that it is partly due to his poor communication and it doesn't cost you an arm and a leg.
at least its not like some drivers i have seen at the shop, see its leaking oil and just keep drivin till it explodes. LOL
Im not posting this to bash the builder of my diff. I'll use him again. I'm just sharing my story, it was my fault. I didnt check!
wow man, props to you for being a big enough man to say it was your fault. i am glad this wasnt a "dont use so and so..." or a "what are my legal options...." thread. we all FUBAR parts from time to time. it sucks coz it looks like you were probably really enjoying that drive for the first 4 miles...replace that bearing and add some oil. good reminder to triple double check parts. ouch.
Always get in the habit of putting green or blue painter's tape on anything that should have liquid in it, but doesn't. Engine, radiator, trans, rear end. I've seen shops put tape on the windshield to let anyone getting in the car know that things are dry. It's not the rear end builder's fault, but you might want to suggest to him that he start's doing that. As for the question of why he didn't fill it before giving it to the customer? It's pretty standard practice that a shop doesn't fill an engine, trans, or rear end when giving the assembly to a customer. Filling the unit is the last thing you do... maybe the axles need to come out for a brake kit... maybe the trans yoke is going to get replaced... maybe it'll end up upside down and fluid will leak out the vent tube in the axle... maybe the owner is going to put a chrome or aluminum dif cover on the housing... etc. etc. -Brad
I feel your pain. I did something similar picking up my 46 Ford. Before putting it on a tow dolly, getting ready for the 1200 mile trip from Michigan to New Hampshire, I asked the seller "it has oil - right?", he replies "oh yeah, you are all set". I drive about 45 minutes. By that time my confidence was building and I was probably going 55 mph, then the thing locks up. Thank gosh I was wearing a fresh diaper and no one was hurt. I let it cool, filled it with oil, and was able to make the trip without further incident.
Good thing you were wearing a fresh one or you had spares with you. I had a fresh built motor one time going to get exhaust put on it in cold weather and warped a valve. destroyed that engine. i was running it open headers. dummy me. LOL
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