I am converting the closed drive shaft on my 1957 Rambler Rebel to an open system. I suspect the differential is a Dana. It currently has the closed ring and pinion (coupling) set up. Any info on this conversion would be appreciated. Can I replace the pinion with a yoke -style?
Picture? Look at lower side of casting, off removable cover. Should be a number cast in. Or study diff cover shape and look up Torque King, he has pics of Dana 41and 44 for ID. Dana 41 has more of a round diff cover, whilst the 44 is more angular.
I don't believe you can convert using your existing pinion gear, as the companion flange is a press on fit. There's no provision to allow for a threaded nut at the forward end of the pinion shaft to retain a bolt on style pinion yoke. I would suggest you head over to the AMC Forum: https://theamcforum.com/FORUM/trans....html?SID=18281-e58599a591bfb7f69z8c689849537... as maybe someone has done it before. These are from my '52 Nash service manual, but I believe your rearend is also a Dana style, very similar to what the earlier Statesman and Ambassador used.
It'll be easier to swap out the rear, not only will you have to deal with a yoke you'll have to support the rear when you eliminate the torque tube, leaf springs or trailing arms.
All the suspension work is done. Rear springs are coil. Three trailing arms, factory Panhard bar, braces.
I'm sure you could remove the pinion gear, and have the forward end threaded to accept a nut which would retain the pinion yoke. Might need to do some very careful measuring to ensure enough surface area/depth remains to allow the seal to do its job, as well as provide enough threaded depth for the not to properly stay in place. I would not weld anything on, unless this is a one and done, don't-care-what-happens-after-this type situation...Depending upon one cross pin to retain everything safely and properly, especially considering how important alignment and balance are, doesn't seem like a worthwhile gamble to me.
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