1963 differential

[Timothy B.]

I have a 1963 open rear dated (D 8 3) and want to find out if pinion gear thrust washers were used in these rears. I purchased 3843266 thrust washers for 64-65 open rear but after rolling them in, the spiders will not turn.

Old GM parts book does not indicate part # for 63 and earlier pinion thrust washers and I remember overhauling this rear years ago there were no thrust washers there, I was first in there.

I also installed a NOS 3977298 pinion shaft and two NOS 9789002 side gear washers. I installed the side yokes and I bet there is not .005 end play in these stub axles. I will post a pic showing wear on the pin compared to the new pin, well worth the couple dollars for a good rebuild. The pin must be softer than the side axles.

Thanks for all input..

[Rich P.]

Re: 1963 differential

Tim,

I rebuilt a few open rears on Camaros and don't remember any thrust washers on the spiders. Ofcourse this was 20 years ago. But I do remember jus poping the side spider gears back in and sliding the pin through.

Rich

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 differential

I have a 1963 open rear dated (D 8 3) and want to find out if pinion gear thrust washers were used in these rears. I purchased 3843266 thrust washers for 64-65 open rear but after rolling them in, the spiders will not turn.

Old GM parts book does not indicate part # for 63 and earlier pinion thrust washers and I remember overhauling this rear years ago there were no thrust washers there, I was first in there.

I also installed a NOS 3977298 pinion shaft and two NOS 9789002 side gear washers. I installed the side yokes and I bet there is not .005 end play in these stub axles. I will post a pic showing wear on the pin compared to the new pin, well worth the couple dollars for a good rebuild. The pin must be softer than the side axles.

Thanks for all input..

Tim------


I have no information regarding the pinion thrust washer.

The 3977298 is an old replacement part number for the 1963 Corvette w/o posi pinion shaft. It was only available for a short period of time----from early 1970 until February, 1972 when it was replaced by GM #3935181, a part which had been in the GM parts bin since 1968.

In general, I believe the pinion shaft is hardened to a Rockwell hardness which is considerably greater than the side yoke ends. I have seen many side yoke ends that were worn to the snap ring groove with the associated pinion shaft showing very little wear.

[Gary R.]

Re: 1963 differential

The 65 open Diff I rebuilt a month ago was never opened since 65. It had washers which I replaced along with the spiders.

Here it is if you want to take a look.

http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132206

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1963 differential

Thanks for the help Rich, Joe and Gary, I appreciate it.

My 1972 parts book shows a picture of 1963-72 open diff without pinion thrust washers and group 5.542 list the 3843266 pinion thrust washer for 64-65 exc. P/trac. Say's nothing about 1963 and previous open rears.

As I stated above, I remember no washers when I overhauled it years ago but after viewing Gary's overhaul I question the washers. If installed, the spiders will not turn.

There is wear on the pin where the pinion spider gears spun and it's interesting to see the wear where the axles hit the pin so I know I did good by changing the pin. The end play with new side washers and pin is almost gone.

Batteries dead on camera but I will post a pic later.