GM torque tube w/o diff cover?

Alright, I'm at a loss. I'm trying to figure out what rear end I have in my 54 Buick because my rear axle seals are leaking bad! It is a torque tube rear without a diff cover. My backing plates and brakes are stock for the 54, but it is supposed to have a diff cover. What do I have? I can get some pics if it would help.

 

is it possible that you remove the axels by from behind the brakes? similar to a ford?

 

That's what it has to be, but they do not want to budge. Here is some pics

 

OK, looks like it is set up like a 9in and I have to use a puller. I would still like to know what this rearend is out of so I can get the right seals and bearings. Anybody?

 

After it is apart, the numbers on each part should be visible. Even if the numbers are not visible, a good bearing shop can examine your bearing, race and seal to give you the correct parts.

 

it sure looks like those welds on the mounting brackets are factory. do you have reason to believe that it has been changed?

 

Looks like a Buick rearend to me. Looks same as my 55. Order bearings and seals for your 54!

 

Oldsmobiles of the era had floating axles with a bearing retainer mounted on the backing plate bolts in behind the axle flange.

 

Could it be out of a different year Buick? Or, if they went to that style axle in 1955 could you have a late 54 with one of the first of the new axles?

 

I am missing a book that covers the '56s; but they show a rear cover and c-clip axle retainers up to '55 and then the book for '57 and up shows no cover and bearing retainers
on the axle ends.

 

Interesting, this must be a later one because it has the bearing retainers. But then again I didn't think they used torque tubes 57 and up?

Anyways, I got the axles out and for some reason they are missing the axle seals all together! Good news is the bearings are all good. Just need to pick up the seals

 

My book shows the seals are in outer side of the bearings, directions say to cut the retainer ring and press the bearings off to replace the seals.

 

Buick used a torq-tube up to 59 or so, looks like something from that erra.

Post on the Buick Club forum, and you will get a better answer.

 

Bam! Thanks everybody. Looks like I have one out of a 59 or so Buick. They just used the backing plates from the 54.

 

I was wrong I went up to my father's place today where my car is stored and it does have a cover on the '55. Sorry I coulnt help Glad to hear you figured it out though.

My father seems to think a '56 he had awhile back didnt have a cover either. Same as the later ones