I have no luck with search results, I'm sure this has been covered but....How are the oil seals and outer axel bearings removed from the rear end of a 1946 1/2 ton pickup. It is original and I am in the process of swapping the gears for the 3:55 r&p. Along with any comments and advice, does anyone have a video reference? Appreciate your help and time.
"it's only old if you can't find a use for it; otherwise it's cool and i'll use it."
If the rear is the same as the 47-54 rears I used a slide hammer and there was enough room to get behind the seal first then behind the bearing and washer to pull it out
Here are a couple of old threads related to 1946 1/2 ton rear axle bearing and oil seal removal that may have some helpful info. They are older and several of the pictures originally linked are no longer available, but the conversations may offer some help with your question. Also below is a link to a 1941 Shop manual which provides axle bearing and seal removal/installation instructions. The 1941 is the same as your 1946.
Haven't been able to locate any videos of the operation, yet.
~ 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)
A hook tool on a slide hammer is probably going to destroy the seal and bearing. It doesn't matter with the seal, but you may want to reuse the bearing. If you can find one, a circular puller with two sides cut away so you can get it behind the bearing would be better and would distribute the force around more of the bearing. You can probably find something like the attached at your local FLAPS to borrow/rent. OTC makes several different sizes.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
The slide hammer did not damage the bearings if carefully done the washer will get bent but the seal was okay I had my bearing out several times for the one side that was giving me a hard time ,the seal will get bent up also but I did get one out without damage.I ended up using a washer that just fit inside with the nut holding it on the end of the puller being the washer round gave it a better grip on the back of the washer behind the bearing .both the seals pictured were taken out this way the red one is new.
A little late, but I used a tool similar to what Kevin posted. Picked up a set of three from Harbor Freight and borrowed a slide hammer from Autozone. Bearing came out with no damage. The steel washer was bent a little, but hammering it on a flat surface and it was good as new. Hope your 3:55 gear swap went well.
Last edited by UtahYork; 12/26/20243:01 PM.
~ John in Utah 1946 1/2Ton w/4-speed manual transmission w/1960 235 engine Here We Go Follow in his DITY Bay
- If you think about it, it has been one year ago today!
