The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 1937 rear axle question

Before dismantling the rear axle on my 37 1/2 ton project, I noticed gear oil dripping from one of the rear spring seat and caps (group # 5.403)and off the u-bolts. This is the place where the axle rotates, since the torque tube is rigid at the differential carrier, and there is a grease zerk. This zerk lubricates the outside of the axle housing. After removing the spring seat and cap, there is a curved steel strap that rides in a groove of the seat, and is riveted to the axle housing. If you look from the end of the axle, the rivets are at about 4 and 8 o'clock, with 6 o'clock being at the bottom where the gear oil would run between the bearings and the differential. Confused yet?

These rivets are slightly loose on both sides of the axle and that is where gear oil is seeping through. Now, there is a hole in the bottom of the cap, I presume to let the oil drip off, rather than all over every thing. Should these rivets be tight and thus, oil proof?

I am thinking that it may be okay that they leak which would contribute to lubrication. My truck had grease and dirt plugging the holes in the cap, so the gear oil could not drip off and went all over the u-bolts, etc.

To "tighten" these rivets would be near impossible since you can't reach the end located within the inside of the axle tube.

Anybody have any experience with this?
Kent

When I did my 46,same construction,one side was tight the other one rivet was broken. As you say no way to replace the rivet. I welded the broken side to the axel. I also had the two 1/2 shells machined to reduce the clearence. I had allot of axel wear. Other than an oil mess and having to check diff fluid I don,t think there an issue. That rivets might fail someday? You might be able to clean the parts and force rtv between to reduce the leakage?

Thanks for the response. There is wear in this case, as well, since the combination of road dirt, grease/oil and 78 years makes a good grinding compound.

I agree, a little gear oil drip on a parade vehicle won't be an issue. The curved metal strap that is riveted to the axle must have some side to side force as I think it help keeps the axle centered. Unless the rivets are tight I don't think rtv would stay in place. Welding the perimeter of the strap might be a solution.
Thanks,
Kent