The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Rear End???'s

I am working on my 1950 3/4 ton p/u. I have re-done the brakes and am installing new lines. The body parts have been removed to be cleaned and primed. My questions are these...do I need to remove the rear cover of the rear end in order to drain it? Is this a smart thing to do???drain out the old fluid?? If I have to remove the cover I might as well take a look inside right? If so what should I be looking for? Is there anything I should check to make sure the rear end is ok or is there anything I should replace???it had 4.57 gears. any ideas would be welcome.
Ed

should be a drain plug on the bottom, but if you're into it while the frame's clear, take off the cover after draining and you can see if the pot needs a bit of a flush to get rid of slug left in the bottom - only thing to look for is chipped teeth and sloppy bearings [high wear]

Bill

There is no drain plug on the 3/4 ton. Best way to drain the oil is to remove one of the bottom cover bolts. It certainly won't hurt to remove the cover and clean the bottom of the housing. Either way, when you put the bolt(s) back in they need some sealant on the threads.

Also check the vent for obstruction. It's on the top of the housing, driver's side. It unscrews, 1/4" pipe thread. Has a sheet metal fitting to keep out the dirt. If it's plugged your gear lube will expand when warm, overpressure and blow out the axle or pinion sealss.

Put a 9" FORD readend in that sucker.

To drain the oil from the rearend remove the bottom bolt on rear of the housing (the bumper side). The oil will then drain. And yes sealant on the threads.
Steve