Rear Axle

[newguy]

I have access to a '76 rear axle, would it worth putting it in my '73? It appears that the outer seal on the '76 needs to replaced. The only cost, besides doing the work, would be replacing the seal. The vehicle is used as a simi-daily driver with medium off road use. Is it worth the trouble to make the switch?

Thanks.

 

[Broncoholics]

You might as well replace the seal. You can get to the bolts behind the brakes so you don't have to take them apart. Yank the shaft and replace the bearing and seal it up.

The other axle could have a different gear ratio and might not match your front axle. Unless you know its the same, then the swap itsn't that bad either. Worst part is having the bleed the brakes.

 

[Mark T]

I have access to a '76 rear axle, would it worth putting it in my '73? It appears that the outer seal on the '76 needs to replaced. The only cost, besides doing the work, would be replacing the seal. The vehicle is used as a simi-daily driver with medium off road use. Is it worth the trouble to make the switch?

Thanks.

Whats the point????? Is your 73 axle bad? Now my opinion because I was debating the same issue, i.e., if you are thinking like me. If the 76 axle has large bearing and the 73 has small bearings then the advantage of the 76 over the 73 is that you can upgrade to 31 spline axles. But if both are the same bearing size I do not see the point, like was stated above, it has to be the same ring and pinion inorder to work with the one in your the front end. Other advantages too consider, if it is a factory limited slip that is a plus, and/or if it has a higher gear ratio than your existing and you want a higher gear ratio then all you have to do is change the front when your done putting in the newer rear-end..... just my 2 cents

 

[Broncoholics]

Yeah, if its a big bearing then its a worth while swap.

You can still run 31 spline axles in a small bearing 9" cause thats what I ran before my D70. You just need the correct 3rd member with 31 spline carrier.

 

[Mark T]

Yeah, if its a big bearing then its a worth while swap.

You can still run 31 spline axles in a small bearing 9" cause thats what I ran before my D70. You just need the correct 3rd member with 31 spline carrier.

Thanks Broncoholic< I did not know 31 spline axles fit in SB housings, everyone tells me differently

 

[Broncoholics]

Yeah, I ran Currie Enterprises 31 Spline shafts in a SB 9". If you get into a pinch, talk to them.

Never broke one of them either!

 

[Pericon]

I just bought a third memeber with a 31 sppline carrier I have a 76 EB with a 28 spline rear axle. My question is what else do I need in order to install 31 spline set in this axle?

 

[S_bolt19]

Pull the 3rd member, install it and buy new axles that are 31 splines.

 

[Mark T]

Pull the 3rd member, install it and buy new axles that are 31 splines.

Just make sure that the 31 spline axles are the ones you need for your specific housing, ie., bearing size and brake set-up. It really helps if you also get the axles that are already pressed together, bearings and lugs, then its just a simple matter of 4 bolts per side and some axle grease. The other plus with new 31 spline axles over 28's, other than size, is that there bearings seal and work alot better than stock..... Good luck