Projects To Rebuild or Not To Rebuild Rear End

Hi All,

Plan on putting a chevy 55 rear end on my chevy 54 pickup as I convert to automatic transmission with OD.

Found a used 55 rear end, and I'm wondering what you all might suggest; should I definitely rebuild the rear end with new bearings and such, or could I simply clean it up, replace fluid and call it a day. Seems to spin OK. I've not rebuilt a rear-end before and don't have a press machine for certain parts.

What you all recommend?

Thanks in advance

 

Outside of the obvious, and that is redoing the brakes or at least the wheel cylinders if the lining is in good shape I'd say that unless a wheel bearing seal is leaking I'd run it as is and see what happens. They aren't hard to take apart if you end up having to replace the bearings but if it isn't broke why fix it? Simply meaning that even when it is in the truck you can pop the axles out and pull the third member in well under an hour at home in the garage with hand tools if you have to.

 

The center sections seldom 'wear out' other than maybe a pinion seal going bad. I'd look it over, and if within spec for backlash with no noticeable 'looseness' I'd call it good. Axle bearings are another story; those I'd probably replace on general principal, as the cost of a pair is usually less than even one tow. I'd also invest in some Royal Purple synthetic gear lube as it's been proven to reduce running temps by very significant amounts.

 

Mofo, do you plan on pulling the pumpkin out at all? If not, even checking the backlash like Steve says is moot. As most everyone else says, I'd replace the axle bearings and brake components, and wait until it starts grumbling before digging into the center section.

 

I'd pull it apart while it's out in front of you, check all bearings for pit'sand/or wear. Replace whats needed then not worry about for another 30 years.

 

Thanks all for the replies...so helpful to have someone to bounce things off of when it's just you doing all the work.

I do have have new brake parts (springs, wheel cylinder rebuild kit, shoes, etc.) which I can do myself. From the sounds of it, I should be OK with replacing the wheel bearings, inspecting the inside since I will be re-gasketing and adding new fluid and putting it back together. If it turns out it needs more, I will cross that bridge when I get there.

Thanks again all. Enjoy the weekend and Have a Happy & Safe New Year.

 

If the rear end has been setting on the ground for years and has not been turned then everything above the gear oil is rusty from condensation. I would pull the chunk and make sure the bearings aren't pitted as well as the ring gear.

 

It will need a pinion seal, and it will need a new crush sleeve if you want to get the pinion nut as tight as it is supposed to be. The gears and bearings need to be inspected. Be sure to look carefully at the teeth on the pinion gear, near the bearing, for cracks, it's a common failure point on GM rear gears.

You will need some equipment to change the differential and pinion bearings, such as a press and bearing separator. Might be better off farming it out if you don't want to buy this stuff.