C1 Rear End Play

[Jerry M.]

I'm concerned about the amount of play I'm seeing in the rear end that I installed in my '62, which is shown in photo 1 below. I measured this at about 5* at the pinion flange. I also measure about an inch of play at the outer circumference of the tire.

This is a factory 4:11 (CE code) rear that I bought from a friend many years ago. As directed by a senior member, I cleaned and flushed the unit, installed and lubed the rear to see how it felt. It turns smooth and nice but I think has a good amount of play (backlash?). I also see that the pinion nut has been staked and a couple threads on the nose of the pinion shaft are bent slightly which probably indicates that someone has been inside this unit at some point.

Photo 2 shows the amount of play that the old single wheel rear end that I removed from the car which had been in the car over 40 years and performed perfectly. It shows substantially less play than my 4:11.

Right now the body is still off of the frame so I'd like to get some opinion on how to proceed with this unit while it's much easier to access. BTW, after installation, I now see a slight leak from the pinion seal.

Any help is greatly appreciated.




62 rear 1 (2).jpg62 rear 2 (2).jpg

[Mark M.]

Re: C1 Rear End Play

I wouldn't use it until the pinion preload and seal were right. But first the backlash should be checked and if ok the tooth pattern checked. All this means pulling the 3rd member out. Your this far in, it's not worth chancing good parts. Find an experienced rear axle guy to check it out. There's no need to stake those threads and I'd be suspicious of previous work.

[Terry D.]

Re: C1 Rear End Play

Where in Ohio? You got an e-mail

[Jerry M.]

Re: C1 Rear End Play

Thanks for the reply. I'm in the Columbus area. I replied to your e-mail also.