rear end problems

[bosworth]

We pulled the hogs head out of my p15 club coup tonight. I've been trying to put my finger on driveline noise and suspected the rear end. I had also noticed that the rear end was getting hot after only driving a few miles. What we found was worse than what I expected, all of the gears are extremely pitted a few of the differential gear teeth have lost much of their shape.

I'm guessing that rebuilding is out of the question and will either have to find a replacement or put in a whole new more modern Axle. The damaged one is a 3.9 I would want to replace it with the same or move to something like a 3.73

So my questions are;

Are there useable hogs heads out there, are there parts available to do a complete rebuild, and is it worth it, should I be looking for a new Axle to swap?

I've tried to research the topic of an axle swap and haven't so far found the correct links. It seems like something like a jeep Cherokee or wrangler axle might work. If so what do you do about the universal joint missmatch?

I really would like to get the old girl back on the road, this one has thrown me for a loop.

Thanks

Bill

Edited January 15, 2014 by bosworth

[Plymouthy Adams]

got a 3.9 from 50 Dodge ready to pop in....

[52b3b Joe]

I would look for a factory 3.73 or 3.54 pumpkin to put in there. I put in a 3.54 in my truck and I like it. The thing to look for when finding a pumpkin to fit your car is the axle spline count and the number of bolts that hold the pumpkin on. Generally they are 11 or 16 count splines (if I remember correctly) and 10 or 11 bolt pumpkins. I was able to find the 3.54 in my truck on the internet about 3 hours away and paid $100 for it. I cleaned it up and its in the truck as is.  I hope this helps!

[pflaming]

I put a 95 Wrangler rear axle in my truck. I had to change the perches which is not a difficult task and it all works great. Also got nice new rear brakes, cost me $100 and some labor.

[Scruffy49]

10 or 16 spline axles depending on the year, and either 2 or 4 pinion gears, again, depending on the year.

 

I've still got a complete 49 truck rear axle sitting here, been too lazy (and cold) to get it pulled and off to the scrap yard. Unfortunately, it is either a 4.10 or a 4.78 gear set. But if you need it for parts, come get it. Has over 330K miles on it and was still going strong the last time it was driven (1994). Or there is a 1992 Ranger complete rear axle sitting in my parts junker. 4 cylinder 5 speed truck, so it is the weak sister 7.5" ring gear, but it will live behind a standard output L6. Right bolt pattern, 9 inch drum inner diameter. Was going to use the 92 axle in my 49, likely going a different route (like C4 Corvette stuff front and rear).

[bosworth]

Thanks everyone,  I'm going to take Plymouthy Adams up on his offer and keep the car as original, and will be able to get the "Old Gray Girl"  back on the road next week.  I will keep a eye out for a 3.54 would make a nice upgrade in the future.  I'll keep the swap out axles in mind for my next B3B project.

Thanks....you guys are the greatest!

Bill

Edited January 15, 2014 by bosworth