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I'm trying to find a RH axle for my '46 half ton. What I pulled out has 17 splines and I don't see any numbers stamped on the end. Parts books say there was an earlier vs late version --3656862 vs 3652342. Was there a difference of 10 vs 17 splines?? Reason I'm asking is a vendor is saying his 3652342 (later version) has 10 splines(?). Help.

I think there is some confusion going on. The parts manual lists the side gears as having 10 teeth, 1937-42 all COMM, and 1946-49 all 1/2 TON COMM. #370225. There is no mention of spline count for the smaller axles. Splines and teeth are two different things.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/1929_57chevyparts/index.htm

#370225 is the differential pinion gear (5.26). The differential side gears (5.28) which the axles slide through have 16 teeth on the outside and 17 splines inside corresponding to the 17 splines on the axle ends. I have a chance to buy a NOS RH axle, GM 3652342 but the description says 10 splines and the picture shows that as well so I dont know if what I pulled out of my '46 1/2 ton is original or the guy selling the part is wrong in his pn. To confuse things more, I have a lead on a NOS 3656862 which was the RH axle used in earlier years ('41) but didn't know if I should try it instead. It has 17 splines and appears to be the same length.Thanks.

You are right, I looked at the wrong gear. Both books I have, '29-'42 and '29-49 Ak as using the 3652344, 1940-42 & '46-'49. the early book doesn't list any information on it, the later book only shows 16 tooth.

Found some pictures of NOS 3652344 side gears and they show as 16 tooth/17 splines. Also found some pics of side gears with 10 splines and the box says for passenger cars so I'm thinking the guy selling the axle 3652342 with 10 splines for a truck has the wrong pn. The diameter of the shaft at the splines is smaller than what a truck axle should be which further convinces me that he is wrong on the GM pn. Still looking for a replacement axle 3652342. Thanks for the help.

NOS Parts Source
Olathe, Kansas
phone: 913 -220 -5746

NOS P. S. has ( 1 ) NOS axle GM # 3652342

Make sure you are sitting down when you call this guy.

His prices are probably the highest in the country.


George
'54 3600

Thanks George. Called Gary at NOS Parts Source a couple of days ago. He didn't have #3652342 but had the earlier #3656862 which he claims is interchangeable. Specs in the '41 Master Parts axle shaft chart look the same so I took a chance and bought it. Not sure what the difference was but per that axle chart it might have been a difference in the length of the bearing journal. I bought it cuz I'm desperate and you're right, his price was high! Hope it works.

The earlier axles will have a replaceable bearing race pressed on them.

Thanks Dave. I installed the axle bearings that I got in the R & P kit. Will I need to pull those & find different bearings for the older style axles?

Both style axles use the same bearing.