'65 GS Posi Upgrade

[ubushaus]

I have started cleaning the housing of my '65 GS rear end. I already have some concerns. Forgive me if I am excessively paranoid but I have watched the Paul Zonk Differential rebuilding video, and according to him this one would not be a good core.

First, the axle shafts are clearly different, and have different bearings on them. Is that a "stop right there!", or a "so what?"

Second, there is scoring on both tube ends. The one pictured is the worse of the two. Is this a problem?

On the brighter side the donor car for this differential was undercoated, so the outside is pretty well preserved - even some of the original markings can be seen. There is some pitting, but for the most part I think it will clean up well.

[ubushaus]

More pictures relating to the previous post.

[monzaz]

Joe, Are you saying the bearings themselves are a different diameter? WAs this rear assebled when you received/bought it?

They appear to be the same as they have sealed bearings on the axle shafts and that would be correct for the early housing you have.

One bearing looks to have been replaced and the other appears to be original. Jim

[ubushaus]

Joe, Are you saying the bearings themselves are a different diameter? WAs this rear assebled when you received/bought it?

They appear to be the same as they have sealed bearings on the axle shafts and that would be correct for the early housing you have.

One bearing looks to have been replaced and the other appears to be original. Jim

Yes, the rear was assembled when I received it. It came as part of a rolling frame. I don't really know its history.

Yes, the inside diameter of the bearings must be different, since the outside diameter of the two axles are different.

The axle on the left in the picture has the following measurements (approximate using a $.99 Harbor Freight caliper): 1 7/16" at the bearing retainer, 1 5/16" approx 1/4 of the way up the shaft where the size sharply reduces (notice the switch from shiney to dull), 1 3/16" approximately half way up another sharp reduction, and 1 5/32" at the base of the splines.

The axle on the right has the following: 1 11/32" at the retainer, then it tapers down to 1 1/16" just before it sharply increases to 1 5/32" at the base of the splines.

I thought I had read somewhere that the GS diff in '65 was desireable due its beefy axles. It's possible that one of them (on the right) was replaced with a standard Skylark/Special axle. To replace the bearings on the ones I have, I would have to order a mismatched set if possible.

[ubushaus]

More info and questions:
The bearing on the right side axle it marked RW507A, and the one on the left is RW507G.

Can I use the axles from my '67 in the '65 housing assuming the RW507A bearing is installed? The measurments at the bearing are same by my measure.

I tried to remove the axle seals from my '67 diff as per the directions in the shop manual. The rubber seal came out, and I bent up the metal around it. Did I need to keep going to get the rest out, or did I screw things up? See pictures.

[monzaz]

The seal metal all needs to come out. Just hit it on one side crushing it them pick it out. The metal is quite thin and will distort easy. You will need to replace them any way. 8594s seal...fairly common.

The 65 should have normal RW507CR bearings UNLESS you have a WAGON rear. I do not think GS had larger bearings back that far. they started in 67... Do you have a complete picture of the rear including the control mounts and perches or the rear?

I am going to check the measurement number you gave. 507 A and 507 g are the larger bearings and if they fit that housing OH boy is that weird. NOW it could be some one grabbed a set of 67-68 axles and used different bearing to try to get them to fit you housing or other way around.... ???

I will look at your pictures closer too. I have swap meets all weekend and will try to call from there. Ok? Jim

[monzaz]

Oh and do not assume they axle shaft press on diameter is also larger as they make MANY differet sealed bearings ...1.382 is the standard for most pontiac buick and olds 8.2 rears. So hang tight keep measuring and I will call.

[ubushaus]

Do you have a complete picture of the rear including the control mounts and perches or the rear?

Thanks Jim,

Attached are some pictures of both housings I have. I also measured the "axle bearing pocket" on the two housings. The one with the '64-'66 spring perches measures 2 7/8", and the one with the '67+ perches measures 2 3/4". Not pictured, but both have identical covers. Some mystery huh?

Does that painted LG on the " '65 housing " represent the axle code? I looked in the '65 shop manual at 65gs.com, and the '66 shop manual at buicks.net, and neither of them show a factory axle code of LG.

[ubushaus]

Hey Jim,

I just bought a set of RW507AR bearings on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 0331958115

If I can't use them, I'm sure someone else can. A set just sold for $110 on v8Buick, so I think I did ok.

We still need to talk about all the other parts I need.

[monzaz]

let me know PM or call 330 659 7117

[ubushaus]

New pictures based on our phone call.

Pinion seal is National part# 1362360.

[monzaz]

Its a buick 8.2 for sure 8620 seal for us. Thanks I have the kit all together and ready to ship.

Jim

[ubushaus]

OK, so I got my NORS bearings yesterday, and I have a possibly paranoid question: Is there a shelf life for a bearing - beyond which they are not useable?

When I put my index fingers through the center of the bearing and try to spin it with my other hand - the resistance is strong. The grease in the bearing seems to have congealed. Is this a problem, or will it correct itself once the heat of use kicks in?

Thanks,

[monzaz]

Bearing life...Well I am sure there is ...as to how long?? It has got to be pretty long...lol.

Yes the grease can get very resistive and gooey. The friction will surly take care of that and it will liquidate. Jim

[ubushaus]

OK, more paranoia! I took my axles to a machine shop today to have the bearings removed. We spoke at length about the scoring on the seal surface area, and the need to keep it smooth to avoid leaking.

My mistake, but I didn't even look at them when he put them in my car when I came back to pick them up. So, I get them home and have a look - and he scored the seal surface area!

Can/should anything be done, or do I need to get another axle? Can it be filled and polished?

Arrrgh!