‘37 service manual doesn’t say anything about the pivot on the axle. Got it all cleaned up, pretty and the 80 some odd year old hardened grease out and the zerk working, but was there any kind of seal on the surface…felt or thin leather… there wasn’t anything when I disassembled but with this truck it certainly doesn’t mean there shouldn’t have been if you get my drift. After it was all cleaned up it’s not an extremely tight fit and had hardened grease buildup on the axle housing serving as a seal…Also just a point of interest; I have helper springs that mounts above the casting in the picture. Wondering if anyone has seen that on a ‘37. Original option? The mounting casting and extra long u bolts seem to all fit together like intended not hodge podge.
Larry Old man᠁Old truck᠁neither one goes very fast. All you need in life is TIME, PATIENCE and MONEY. If you are missing one component, you'll need an abundance of the others two.
Larry, I managed to do a bit of research on your question but had to postpone replying until my better 1/2 and I got dinner out of the way. Anyhow, a search of 3 of my Chevy Master Parts books (1929-46, 1929-53 and 1929-57) provided some results to help answer your questions.
Your "Axle pivot" is known as "Seat - Cap - Plate, Rear Spring", Parts Group 5.403 in the parts books. There is a "Seal - Bolt, Rear Spring Seat" (rubber 1-7/8" OD x 1 I.D. x 3/16 thick) GM# 597267 listed in all 3 books under Group 5.404, but the application lists show that was only used on 1938-54 Passenger Cars and 1947-54 1/2 ton Trucks. No reference to being used on your 1937 GC. I have attached some screen shots below from 2 of the books to help show what I found. Hope this is helpful.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
Dan, Thanks for the research. Interesting. I guess the ‘37 truck was just a step closer to a tractor than the passenger car and could have a little grease exposed here and there. Lol I always was under the impression from my service manual that in that year, the car and light truck shared the same basic rear just a different driveshaft length. I may try to fabricate something as long as it doesn’t restrict bolting the pieces solid together. It doesn’t move far. Anyone with suggestions?
Larry Old man᠁Old truck᠁neither one goes very fast. All you need in life is TIME, PATIENCE and MONEY. If you are missing one component, you'll need an abundance of the others two.
Larry, My '37 had no seal at the axle pivot when I restored the truck and I left it that way. I finished the restoration in 2019 and have put just over 2K miles on it. I just went out to check with a flashlight and there is essentially no seepage of grease that I can see. Kent
Thanks Kent. After doing a house for kids and grandkids the ‘37 is moving forward (slowly) again. Gauges look great though!
Larry Old man᠁Old truck᠁neither one goes very fast. All you need in life is TIME, PATIENCE and MONEY. If you are missing one component, you'll need an abundance of the others two.
Ed, my '37 is a GC which is a 1/2 ton. I'd consider it a heavy half as it has helper leaf springs in the rear and had the optional 4 speed ilo 3 speed.
Larry Old man᠁Old truck᠁neither one goes very fast. All you need in life is TIME, PATIENCE and MONEY. If you are missing one component, you'll need an abundance of the others two.
