52 Ford Car Rear End Gasket

[whb52ford]

The big gasket on the rear end is leaking. Tried tightening the bolts but leaking again. Normally the gasket is to the rear of the car and just removing some bolts to change the gasket. Could not figure out from my 52 Ford service manual what I need to do. Can I just disconnect the rear universal joint, unbolt the rear end nuts and slide it out ? Do I have to take the axles out? Was trying to not fool around with the seal on the pinion. That is not leaking.

[Zax40]

Yes, you will have to remove the axle shafts before you can remove the 3rd member. Is it the gasket between the 3rd member and housing that is leaking?

[whb52ford]

It's the 4035 gasket. If I take out the rear axles, drop the drive shaft at u-joint, will it come out as one piece?

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by whb52ford

It's the 4035 gasket. If I take out the rear axles, drop the drive shaft at u-joint, will it come out as one piece?

Yes....ONE heavy piece! DD

[paul2748]

Put a floor jack under the rear - it's a heavy mother

[whb52ford]

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Floor jack under it is a good idea. Well that is my next project.
thx

[deuce lover]

Check the axle bearings and maybe replace the seals .Those seals could be wore out.

[whb52ford]

Probably a good idea. Will order so I will have on hand. While I'm there why not.

[Daves55Sedan]

When removing the pumpkin from a rear axle housing, I have found it best not to use a floorjack, because it can roll off easily unless you make some kind of special receiver for the pumpkin flange to sit in. I have always pulled myself directly under the center of the rear axle and pulled the pumpkin off, then lowered it down to my chest, then slowly roll it off on a couple layers of cardboard on the garage floor. Never sustained and damage to myself or pumpkin yet, but yes they are heavy.
BTW, have fun pulling those axle shaft seals out too. I've had professional seal pulling tools that wouldn't cut the mustard. Finally ended up making my own seal puller.

[whb52ford]

I think I got under it last time I had it out. I replaced the seals not to long ago whe I replaced the bearings so I think it will come out.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Daves55Sedan

When removing the pumpkin from a rear axle housing, I have found it best not to use a floorjack, because it can roll off easily unless you make some kind of special receiver for the pumpkin flange to sit in. I have always pulled myself directly under the center of the rear axle and pulled the pumpkin off, then lowered it down to my chest, then slowly roll it off on a couple layers of cardboard on the garage floor. Never sustained and damage to myself or pumpkin yet, but yes they are heavy.
BTW, have fun pulling those axle shaft seals out too. I've had professional seal pulling tools that wouldn't cut the mustard. Finally ended up making my own seal puller.

Get a piece of chain about 6 feet long. Put the two end links over two opposing axle lug studs (after running chain through something heavy like a flywheel) with flat washers and lug nuts. Stand back at chain's length, facing the axle, and repeatedly slam flywheel against chain. Make sure you spread your legs, 'cuz axle can suddenly eject from the housing and get ya! DD

[deuce lover]

Or put the brake drum on backwards and screw on 3 lug nuts part way and use the drum as a slide hammer.

[whb52ford]

I like that using the brake drum on backwards. To pull the rear end I have a old large scissors jack from an RV that I mounted on 2x4’s with heavy casters for my transmission removal. I should be able to attach a piece of plywood to scissors jack. Thinking a ratchet strap should hold it on.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by deuce lover

Or put the brake drum on backwards and screw on 3 lug nuts part way and use the drum as a slide hammer.

I can only imagine that you MIGHT have about 1/2" to 5/8" worth of "hammering" by the time you put the lug nuts on three or four turns, in addition to the thickness of the drum flange. A lot of those axles, you've got to get with the program to get that axle broken free and moving. DD

[whb52ford]

I have had them out before and don’t remember having a problem getting them out. Hoping my parts get here soon because I’m having hand surgery and will be laid up for a month.

[Zeke3]

Originally Posted by deuce lover

Or put the brake drum on backwards and screw on 3 lug nuts part way and use the drum as a slide hammer.

I have used this method many times with success. I put the lug nuts on backwards with the flat side toward the drum when using as a slide hammer.