rear axle parts availabilty??

[gordsguard]

Hello. I've got a '48 Fargo 1/2 ton. I hadn't noticed before that I've got quite a bit of play in the rear end. I can turn the drive shaft about 1/3 turn either way before anything engages inside the housing.

I haven't opened it up to see yet, but I was wondering what my chances are of finding parts to repair this? Or if anyone else has had a similar problem and has some words of wisdom for me that would be great.

thanks

Nathan

[Merle Coggins]

It's hard to tell until you can see what's going on inside, but it sounds like you have a bit too much backlash. If you get it apart and the gears and bearings look servicable you may be able to adjust the backlash and reassemble it. If it is toast, you may be searching for a different diff. I have a decent 4.10 diff that came out of my truck, or you can search for a 3.90 or 3.73 diff out of a Dodge, Plymouth, etc car from the late 40's to mid 50's. It'll ge a direct replacement in your axle housing and will give you a better hiway gear ratio. The only thing you need to watch for is the axle shaft spline count. There was a change in the early 50's where they went with a finer spline on the shafts.

Merle

[gordsguard]

Thanks Merle, Good to know.

I'm running an overdrive, so that should help on the highway. Like you say, I won't know until I get it apart.

thanks

[rustyzman]

Check the bolts holding the ring gear on also when in there. You may find them to be loose like mine.