The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk rear pinion leak, worth fixing?

1958 Chevy rear axle.

I have a slow leak at the rear axle pinion. Maybe a half tablespoon over a week. Is this worth fixing? Would it help if I add thicker gear oil?

Also, does anyone know if a posi-traction diff is made for this axle?

I'd say leak is worth fixing and that shouldn't be all that bad of a repair. Drop the drive shaft, pull the yoke and pop in a new seal should be a nice Saterday afternoon job.
If you don't you're gonna just be under there wiping that goop off the rear end every week or so.
If your asking if it's gonna hurt anything, suppose not just check the level every so often.
Can't help ya on that Posi, to new for me.

Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

No. There currently are no limited slip or locking differentials available for that alxe. The only one you might find would be the '60-'62, those are very rare, and are only found used in the aftermarket.

That's great news Denny, I thought there was a crush sleeve or something that kept the oil in and the whole darn pinion needed to to be taken apart! Do you happen to know the seal #? Do you think a NAPA store would have them?

Bummer that I can't put a limited-slip in there. I was out testing out the 4x4 system and got the left front and right rear in the air and of course those were the ones that got the power. Not that I'm planning on doing any crazy 4-wheelin. At least it has a winch to pull me out if I get stuck.

Can't help you out any further that that Jo, I don't really think much past 55 1st series but there are plenty of guys here that are into the TF and they will probably be along as soon as they get over their heat stroke.

DG

Couldn't come up with a Napa number (they only list the GMC Spicer 45), but Autozone lists it in a Timken seal as part # 6818.

You guys are the best!

Thanks.

Just keep your eyes open, especially on Craigslist. I've found two of them so I know it's possible. The whole third member will bolt right into your HO33 rear axle. I was tempted to put one in my front axle but decided against it; the Napco uses a different method of retaining the axles in the differential and I didn't want to mess things up. Before you ask, my spare unit has one of the tabs broken off of one of the clutch plates (which I can't find anywhere) so I'm keeping it for a back up or for parts.

I have pictures up on the older of the Napco forums if you want to see what they look like.

Hey Ed!
I'll head over there and check it out. If you ever trip across either the limited slip diff or the original locking hubs (not the Selectro), shoot me an email.