I am in the process of trying to rebuild (rear end rebuild kit as well as 3.55 ring/pinion) a stock rear end for a 1949 chevy 3100 and have just gotten everything torn down.
I have inspected the rear end and was wanting to gather some opinions on some damage to the differential case on the bearing surface where the side gears and differential pinion gears ride. I apologize if this is not the correct terminology (trying to gather it from the factory rebuild slideshow). There is a ring of heavy damage on the outer flat bearing surface where one of the gears rides. There is a chunk of metal friction welded to the back side of the corresponding gear. Other than this ring the rest of the bearing surfaces look good, although there is a small lip on the case bearing surface where one of the spherical bearings ride. The gears themselves all look good and have smooth surfaces with the exception of that chunk welded on the backside of that one gear.
Below is a link to the photobucket page containing the photos. I would appreciate opinions on if this case is still usable. Here is the link.
http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/1866yellowboy/library/49%20carrierI also tore down a rear end from a 1951 3100 but the damage to that case looked worse to me. It has pretty heavy scratches on both of the flat bearing surfaces as well as on the backside of the gears themselves. Below is a few pictures of that teardown. Would this be a better option?
http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/1866yellowboy/library/51%20carrierAlso with this rebuild I was planning on using the driveshaft (the tube that goes inside the torque tube)from the 1951 as the 1949 driveshaft has severe rust where the lip seal rides. Is this ok? I know it is slightly longer but believe I read they were interchangeable. Lastly is there a source for the lock screw that goes in the spacer/pinion shaft? Mine is damaged from mine and previous owners' teardowns.
Any help is greatly appreciated. I am leery of using borderline parts when putting this much money into a rebuild kit and 3.55 ring/pinion. I have been unable to locate a differential case in better condition than the one I have.
Thanks!
