forum.jdrace.com

72 Buick
Question... The race shown in the picture is loose inside the axle tube. what I suspect it is the outer ring of the tapered axle bearing. Is this true? Here's why I had to take it apart. Only about a 1/4 of axle was engaged. that's a 1/4 inch from the end of the axle so even less of the actual spline was connected.

Yes that is the race for the tapered bearing on your axles and IS NORMAL to be in the housing separate from the bearing on the axle.

NOT NORMAL the engagement of your axle spline in the carrier.

CAN you send pictures of the rear cover removed and the bearing caps off ...DO NOT REMOVE THE CARRIER though. Jim