The Ford Barn

walls · 04-11-2023, 08:34 PM

Is there a way without taking apart or driving to tell the condition of a rear?
I have two and want to start taking the brakes apart and cleaning.
Just not sure if one is in better shape than the other.

Thoughts or advice?

Sunny the Model A · 04-11-2023, 09:09 PM

if you can, open the drain plug and shine a light inside, if you see rust, walk away. spray brake parts cleaner in the hole, plug it and shake it up a bit, drain into a bucket and see if you see the forbidden glitter, if so, run. otherwise, go for it.

Brian SATX · 04-11-2023, 09:23 PM

You may also want to check the ratio to see which one will better fit your needs. You cna do it by marking a tooth and slowly rotate it and count the number of reves the brake drum makes vs the ring gear.

Y-Blockhead · 04-11-2023, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian SATX

You may also want to check the ratio to see which one will better fit your needs. You cna do it by marking a tooth and slowly rotate it and count the number of reves the brake drum makes vs the ring gear.

Or count the teeth on the ring gear. Most common ratios; 39=3.55, 34=3.78, 37=4.11,

J Franklin · 04-11-2023, 11:08 PM

It doesn't take much time to pull one side off and check thorouly.

walls · 04-12-2023, 03:49 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by J Franklin

It doesn't take much time to pull one side off and check thorouly.

Thanks for the replies.

I’m thinking this is the best idea, but a little intimidated to be honest.
I’ve never opened one up before.
Words of wisdom?
Can I inspect without messing with anything critical?

I checked the one repair manual I have and not much on the rear.

Tom Endy · 04-12-2023, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walls

Thanks for the replies.

I’m thinking this is the best idea, but a little intimidated to be honest.
I’ve never opened one up before.
Words of wisdom?
Can I inspect without messing with anything critical?

I checked the one repair manual I have and not much on the rear.

Here is a link to a rear end rebuild tutorial.

http://www.santaanitaas.org/wp-conte...vised-2014.pdf

Tom Endy

Bob C · 04-12-2023, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Franklin

It doesn't take much time to pull one side off and check thorouly.

Just remember you have to deal with the rear spring so
be careful.

rotorwrench · 04-12-2023, 10:31 AM

As mentioned, remove the spring with a spreader and some care first. The hubs & axle keys will need to be removed to disassemble them. Once that is done, remove the left side bell from the center banjo and mark it for left side in case the whole unit is disassembled. The whole final drive assembly can then be pulled out in one piece. The torque tube and drive shaft with pinion can be removed before or after but the left radius rod has to be removed to pull the bell off for just an inspection or minor repair.

The only stupid question is the one you should have asked but didn't. Your question is completely valid for a first timer.

katy · 04-12-2023, 10:33 AM

You're gonna need a spring spreader for the rear spring.

walls · 04-13-2023, 07:18 AM

I’m going to dig in this weekend and see what I find.

While we’re discussing, is there anyone in Philly/Allentown/Lancaster PA that can rebuild for me if these are not in the best shape?
If that’s the situation I find myself in, I might want to use a 3.54 gear to get a couple more mph.

04-11-2023, 09:09 PM	#2
Sunny the Model A Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Charleston SC Posts: 169	Re: Stupid rear end question if you can, open the drain plug and shine a light inside, if you see rust, walk away. spray brake parts cleaner in the hole, plug it and shake it up a bit, drain into a bucket and see if you see the forbidden glitter, if so, run. otherwise, go for it. __________________ "Quality means doing it right when no one is looking" Henry Ford Last edited by Sunny the Model A; 04-15-2023 at 01:28 PM. Reason: spelling

04-11-2023, 09:23 PM	#3
Brian SATX Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 821	Re: Stupid rear end question You may also want to check the ratio to see which one will better fit your needs. You cna do it by marking a tooth and slowly rotate it and count the number of reves the brake drum makes vs the ring gear. __________________ Brian SATX

04-11-2023, 11:08 PM	#5
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,962	Re: Stupid rear end question It doesn't take much time to pull one side off and check thorouly.

04-12-2023, 10:31 AM	#9
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,426	Re: Stupid rear end question As mentioned, remove the spring with a spreader and some care first. The hubs & axle keys will need to be removed to disassemble them. Once that is done, remove the left side bell from the center banjo and mark it for left side in case the whole unit is disassembled. The whole final drive assembly can then be pulled out in one piece. The torque tube and drive shaft with pinion can be removed before or after but the left radius rod has to be removed to pull the bell off for just an inspection or minor repair. The only stupid question is the one you should have asked but didn't. Your question is completely valid for a first timer.

04-12-2023, 10:33 AM	#10
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,043	Re: Stupid rear end question You're gonna need a spring spreader for the rear spring. __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!

04-13-2023, 07:18 AM	#11
walls Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: SE PA Posts: 101	Re: Stupid rear end question I’m going to dig in this weekend and see what I find. While we’re discussing, is there anyone in Philly/Allentown/Lancaster PA that can rebuild for me if these are not in the best shape? If that’s the situation I find myself in, I might want to use a 3.54 gear to get a couple more mph.