Installing the new OKie Bushing assembly (so named as they were invented and produced in Oklahoma by National Machine Works, Inc), you don't need to disassemble the rear end or pull the OE rear bushing and seal (assuming there isn't already an old Okie bushing installed). For the earlier models like yours, the ball housing is removed, the universal joint disconnected and slid off the driveshaft, the dowel pin holding the front bushing is removed, and the front bushing is driven out using the slot in the torque tube for access. For the later press-fit torque tube bushings (no slot in the torque tube), Jim Carter and Chev's of the 40's have a puller for the OE front bushing that works with the driveshaft in place. Once the front bushing is driven out or pulled, the Okie bushing inserts. It sits in front of the original rear bushing and seal, so they don't have to be pulled. One side benefit of this is that the new seal in the Okie bushing assembly rides on a "fresh" section of the driveshaft.
When installing, be careful that the splines on the driveshaft (which can have sharp edges) don't cut the new seal. Chev's of the '40's has downloadable instructions that appear to be copied from the original National Machine info, as they show the original patent number (2403520). The instructions suggest filing the edges of the splines to remove the sharp edges. Even more trivia... if you want to look at the patent, it's here:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2403520.pdfMore important, there are 3 sizes of the Okie bushings being reproduced, AFAIK. Chev's of the 40's has the ODs listed. Make sure you get the correct one by the dimensions (there have been people in various forums who had issues after receiving the wrong size bushing assembly, or bad repro's made in India that were slightly off in dimension).
Here's a good post that shows the bushings for various model years:
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1024864This is motivating me to install the Okie bushing I have on the shelf for my '53!
