Yoke Diff. brgs and seal replacement

[Steve L.]

I've got the diff out and on and engine stand. I have to replace the rear cover (not a HD to keep orig.) since the ears are broken in the usual spot.

I was thinking of replacing the drive shaft seal and the side yoke seal and needle brgs as preventative measures. Can the brgs be replaced by removing the C-clip, pull the shaft out, use a brg puller to get the needle brg out, then replacing everything.

The original seals are not leaking and the brgs seem OK. Or is this effort to much since it seems OK anyway.

Steve L
73 since new.

[Joe L.]

Re: Yoke Diff. brgs and seal replacement

I've got the diff out and on and engine stand. I have to replace the rear cover (not a HD to keep orig.) since the ears are broken in the usual spot.

I was thinking of replacing the drive shaft seal and the side yoke seal and needle brgs as preventative measures. Can the brgs be replaced by removing the C-clip, pull the shaft out, use a brg puller to get the needle brg out, then replacing everything.

The original seals are not leaking and the brgs seem OK. Or is this effort to much since it seems OK anyway.

Steve L
73 since new.

Steve-----


The bearings and seals can be replaced as you describe. However, these Torrington straight roller bearings usually don't give much of a problem. If you have the unit out, though, I would at least remove the stub axles, INSPECT THE ENDS FOR WEAR and replace the seals.

[Steve L.]

Re: Yoke Diff. brgs and seal replacement

Thanks,
Is there a danger that the original needles fall out when the shaft is removed?

Steve L
73 coupe since new

[Steven B.]

Re: Yoke Diff. brgs and seal replacement

Speaking of the broken ears, I have one, is there a reliable, permanent way to weld them?

[Joe L.]

Re: Yoke Diff. brgs and seal replacement

Thanks,
Is there a danger that the original needles fall out when the shaft is removed?

Steve L
73 coupe since new

Steve-----


No, the needle bearings are caged. So, if they should fall out, it's a sure bet that they need to be replaced.

[Joe L.]

Re: Yoke Diff. brgs and seal replacement

Speaking of the broken ears, I have one, is there a reliable, permanent way to weld them?

Steve-----


While a decent repair is possible in the hands of a competent welder with the right equipment, I would not even attempt it. Used covers are pretty plentiful and not that expensive.

[Steve L.]

Re: Yoke Diff. brgs and seal replacement

This thing is cast. I've seen some instructions for welding cast but it is involved. You have to heat up the casting in an oven, then weld hot and cool slowly. I wouldn't trust this.

I didn't know my ears were broken. I drove around like this including 2 broken bolts and the main leaf was broken in half right under the bolts.

I have no idea what kept it all together.

I wouldn't trust it welded. I bought a used one and had it magnifluxed. I think these were underdesigned. I would have replaced it with a HD one if it wasn't for originality.

Steve L
73 coupe since new

[Steven B.]

Re: Yoke Diff. brgs and seal replacement

This thing is cast. I've seen some instructions for welding cast but it is involved. You have to heat up the casting in an oven, then weld hot and cool slowly. I wouldn't trust this.

I didn't know my ears were broken. I drove around like this including 2 broken bolts and the main leaf was broken in half right under the bolts.

I have no idea what kept it all together.

I wouldn't trust it welded. I bought a used one and had it magnifluxed. I think these were underdesigned. I would have replaced it with a HD one if it wasn't for originality.

Steve L
73 coupe since new

'Same here. I replaced my stock '77 Gymkhana spring with a Guldstrand Road Race with long bolts/nylocs and continued to autocross the car. After a track day at Mid Ohio I crawled under to make certain all was OK---it wasn't. I replaced it and decided to replace the 3:55's with 3.90's. I am seriously considering pulling this one out and replacing with a HD aftermarket. 'anyway, it pays to check these things.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Yoke Diff. brgs and seal replacement

Steven and Steve,

Generally the ears brake on the rear cover when the spring is installed and the bolts are torqued when the suspension is not loaded on the ground.

All the car weight needs to be on the spring before tightening the four attachment bolts.

[Ridge K.]

Re: Yoke Diff. brgs and seal replacement

Steven and Steve,

Generally the ears brake on the rear cover when the spring is installed and the bolts are torqued when the suspension is not loaded on the ground.

All the car weight needs to be on the spring before tightening the four attachment bolts.

Thank you for that tip! Ridge.

[John H.]

Re: Yoke Diff. brgs and seal replacement

Steven and Steve,

Generally the ears brake on the rear cover when the spring is installed and the bolts are torqued when the suspension is not loaded on the ground.

All the car weight needs to be on the spring before tightening the four attachment bolts.

They didn't bother to put that little tidbit in the Chassis Service Manual until 1971; in the meantime, the market got created for the aftermarket "heavy-duty" rear cover by torquing those four bolts with the spring hanging free.