54 Differential Pinion Seal

[David K.]

Does anyone know where I can get a replacement pinion seal for a 1954 corvette?

[Joe L.]

Re: 54 Differential Pinion Seal

Does anyone know where I can get a replacement pinion seal for a 1954 corvette?

David-----


The last available GM part number for the piece was GM #3707355 which was discontinued without supercession in December, 1971. SKF Seals (formerly CR Seals, formerly Chicago Rawhide) says that their seal #17727 will replace the GM #3707355. However, they also say the same seal will replace the GM #3865358 applicable to 56-61 Corvettes. Based upon this and reviewing the specs for their 17727 seal, I don't see how it could work for EITHER 53-55 or 56-61. However, I assume they know more about seals than I do. So, you might want to give it a try.

Federal Mogul-National Seals, the other major seal manufacturer, has no seals available to replace the GM #3707355.

[David K.]

Re: 54 Differential Pinion Seal

I ordered and received the Pinion Seal (part #17727) from NAPA. I soon discovered that the outside diameter of the seal was incorrect (too small). To install the seal, it was necessary to machine a ring that would allow the seal to be pressed into the axle housing.

An article regarding this problem originally appeared in The Corvette Restorer, Volume Five, Number Three, Winter 1979, page 8. I guess I was hoping there was an updated solution in 30 years.

[Joe L.]

Re: 54 Differential Pinion Seal

I ordered and received the Pinion Seal (part #17727) from NAPA. I soon discovered that the outside diameter of the seal was incorrect (too small). To install the seal, it was necessary to machine a ring that would allow the seal to be pressed into the axle housing.

An article regarding this problem originally appeared in The Corvette Restorer, Volume Five, Number Three, Winter 1979, page 8. I guess I was hoping there was an updated solution in 30 years.

David-----

As I mentioned previously, that's about what I expected but I figured it was worth a shot since there were no other options I could come up with.

Here's a big part of the problem: the GM #3707355 seal was applicable ONLY to 1953-55 Corvettes and NO OTHER applications, at all. That sort of application range does not bode well for interest on the part of manufacturers to maintain production of this part.

Also, even if you could find an NOS piece, it might not be in the best of shape after 40+ years on a shelf.

The original seal had an ID of 1-7/8" and an OD of 3-7/16".

I suspect that there is a solution to this problem, but I certainly don't know what it is. Perhaps there is a seal from some other, non GM application that would work. There might also be an industrial seal that would work.

You might want to try an industrial bearing supplier like King Bearing to see if they can find you an industrial seal that will work.

[Tom P.]

Re: 54 Differential Pinion Seal

There is a seal SPECIFIC company in Okla City that does nothing but seals------------ALL KINDS, the name is Sealco.

http://www.sealcompany.com/

[Joe R.]

Re: 54 Differential Pinion Seal

David, I got one from Grossmuellers about 1 year ago.

Joe

[Troy P.]

Re: 54 Differential Pinion Seal

Check Hemmings. There are some NOS seal suppliers.