I'm opening a new topic on this subject that is an offshoot of the "1946 Chevy 1/2 ton driver's side (left) rear axle race coming off" topic because I need some help on a missing part. A failed bearing took out the driver's side rear pretty completely. I've got all the replacement parts listed in the parts book except 5.392/377706 - oil deflector. Looks like the deflector goes in first, then the retainer, then the bearing and finally the oil seal.
Posting this picture in case anyone might need a general rear end group number list - looks like it might be from a '50 or so based on the spring hanger.
When I pulled my '46 apart, there was no oil deflector on either side. Been that way since about 1987, when both axles were replaced (not by me). Not only do I not know quite what it looks like, I don't know what it's supposed to do. While I did have a bearing failure, it took the better part of 30 years. Any rebuilders out there run into this? I'm just not sure how this is supposed to go together and just how necessary the oil deflector is.
