The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 46 Chevy 1/2 ton rear end attachment

Is there some type of gasket, or filler material that goes between the 2 part spring clamp that goes around the axle tube on a 46 Chevy 1/2 ton pickup, that attaches the springs to the rear end? There seems to be a gap between the axle tube and housing on my '46. Any help wil be appreciated, also looking for a set of 46 shrtbed running boards, thanks, Brad

Brad,
I took a look at my 46's rear axle and it, too, appears to have a slight space (approx. .020"-.030") between the lower clamp I.D. and the axle tube. There's no evidence of any gasket ever being in there, but maybe it rotted out ?? I've only had my truck a couple of months and haven't gotting into the restoration yet, so I can't give you a definitive answer.
I checked my Parts Manual and the found the parts listed as the "Seat & Cap - Plate, Rear Spring" - Group #5.403 / P.N. 600176 (right side) and 600175 (left side). Looking thru the different parts, I don't find any liner or gasket listed. It just may be that the axle tubes weren't held very closely - certainly not machined - and the clamp held it tightly enough with only partial contact.

I'm attaching a pic of my set-up, which has a set of overload springs mounted above the axle.....

[img]http://home.rochester.rr.com/mrplates/46RearAxle.jpg[/img]

Probably doesn't help much, but all I can offer for now.
BTW, if you run acroos TWO sets of running boards, I'll be happy to take one set off your hands !!
-Bob

Bob,I like your photo with the aux. springs! My truck has the plate, but the springs ARE NOT THERE!! Looking for some, though. Is your truck also a flat bed? There is a '41 pickup at a salvage yard here with the axle pad and no aux. springs. Brad, I did not see evidence of a gasket on either variant. They look to be just clamped to the axle.

Stock-
It's probably just wore out...like mine. Mine has a gap as well. I bought my truck with 2 extra rear ends so I used the best set and gave the rear ends away. Right or wrong, I didn't have much of a choice.