The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Another great tech write up from Deve on the 3.55:1 gearing upgrade

Yes you can replace the ring & pinion gears without removing the torque tube from the truck.


Thanks Deve for taking the time to do all the research in this tech article.

http://www.devestechnet.com/home/DifferentialOverhaul




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Great write up............

Finding the shims is the only thing left for me as my bearings are in good condition.

An excellent write up and I thank you. Two questions however. Will this new gear ratio change anything as far as the transmission goes such as requiring higher revs to start rolling?

A friend had put a 3.08 rear in a 47 Chevy car and he had to rev the engine higher than normal to get the car rolling.

Secondly I see a part number for axle Speedi-Sleeves. When I had to pull the axles on my 53 about 10 years ago they were badly worn from the seal. I asked many people about the sleeves and was told they were not available and if they were they would not do the job. Some suggested sweat soldering or welding the groove and turning it down. I had used one on my crankshaft where it goes through the timing cover and it worked well. I ended up scouring the countryside looking for axles in better shape than the ones which were worn.

Two questions:

1. "Will this new gear ratio change anything as far as the transmission goes such as requiring higher revs to start rolling?"

Yes, but it is usually not a problem with the 3.55 conversion.
If you have an SM420 4-speed and a 3.08 rear, you might find that you will use first gear.

2. "Secondly I see a part number for axle Speedi-Sleeves.
" . . ' "I asked many people about the sleeves and was told they were not available and if they were they would not do the job."

What is the question.?
Speedi-Sleeves (or equivalent) are available. Deve gave a part number.
Part numbers have been posted by other here in older posts.

A quick search on Rock Auto shows 6 sleeves in stock with the part # SKF 99187.

SKF 99187 Click for more information about this part
{#12328938, 973999187} Speedi-Sleeve
Category: Repair Sleeve (Only 6 Remaining) $25.79

I understand that. But 10 or so years ago when I was trying to fix my grooved axle shafts nothing seemed to be available. I had suggested using a Speedi-Sleeve on the axles but was told there were none and if there was they would not last on the axle. If I had known then I would not have searched everywhere for unworn axles.

So I guess things have changed in the last 10 years and in speedi sleeve case changed for the better. As far as them not lasting....think you got bad info on that. As mentioned in the write up and other places they can be a challenge to install in some applications.

Anybody check into an offset axle seal? I don't remember if they are made for our older trucks. I have used them in newer years and models. They move the seal lip away from groove of the previous seal.be worth checking into. Speedi-sleeves on axles are tricky to install. You can't use the installer cup...no surprise given the length of the axle so one needs to use a pipe that just fits over the sleeve.then very carefully tap it down and the trick is to keep it going on straight. If you go crooked and distorted the sleeve..start over with a new one. I'm sure this is not breaking news to many readers but sometimes these details get overlooked.if the groove in the axle is deep use epoxy to fill the groove,let it set and lightly sand or file it down before installing sleeve.

It's a lot simpler to machine a thin ring that fits behind the seal to space it out 1/8" or so. That puts the seal lip on an unworn part of the axle shaft. No point in spending a lot of money for special seals and/or sleeves that MIGHT work if you hold your mouth right!
Jerry

I don't see any trouble or problem installing the speedi sleeve? And they make for an excellent repair.

Speedi sleeves are not cheap...no matter the application.the offset seals I've used don't cost any more than a regular seal. Now for me to have a spacer machined...that will cost me more than buying a sleeve or offset seal. If I had my own lathe or had a good friend who had one than I'd whip one up..but since I don't..yes Speedi-sleeves make a good repair I'm not knocking them at all. I use them when i need to...many times.Was just commenting on the fact they are tricky to install on an axle shaft.