Trying to decide whether to have the rear axle / differential sand blasted and then gone through. Why??? This truck sat over 20 years in a swampy area. Owner has mixed recollections about running condition when he parked it. 1. Well, the differential leaks out the front (pinion) if it is tipped down. I do not think that is normal. Is this usually sealed or does it breath? 2. The whole thing is really rusted and needs to be sand blasted or ? to remove the rust and crap for painting. I would appreciate suggestions on this subject... 3. I want the gears pulled out, cleaned and examined. They look good but the oil I removed had a silvery sheen but no metal bits. I want this truck to run with no worries about 60 year old parts that may be ready to fail. 4. Do the numbers on the differential mean anything. see attached picture. possibly 8699535 first number may be a 3? Lower number is faint, possibly 185. 5. What about updating the rear axle bearings??? Is there a direct replacement with modern bearings?
I had a previous thread where the differential was identified. Now it is time for the work to begin. thanks all
