I have my axle off...

[JayDubBlazer]

I got my axle off this past weekend and dropped it off at the shop. I am going from 3.07:1 ratio to 3.73:1. Along with the ratio change they are going to inspect the axel to make sure the bearings and other wear areas are in good shape. It is a 43 year old axel. I was told it will take 2-3 weeks to get it repaired and back to me.

Is there anything else I should inspect or change while I have the axle out? I had it down to the frame about 8 years ago but didn't do anything with the suspension or frame other than coasting it. Anything specific with with the leave springs? I thought about having the driveshaft rebalanced.

[rocknss]

I would add a limited slip unit to it.

[JayDubBlazer]

Here is a pic right before I removed it. Also where can I get replacement ubolts?

[cla511]

You will either have to make some or do as I did and use 73-87 bolts and bracket. They are upside down from what we have but work very well and are much bigger. The plate is a little wider but it is not a big deal.

[70']

Yep, this a perfect time to go ahead and replace the bushings in the rear leaf springs, as well as the U joints in the rear driveshaft. Your already in there, the hard part of those two jobs is over. You should be able to order new u bolts from Amy suspension place. I would not take to making your own, that's a dangerous game to play. From my own experience, please also make sure the gear shop checks out your spring perches really well as the guide hole can become egged out pretty good over time.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by JayDubBlazer

Here is a pic right before I removed it. Also where can I get replacement ubolts?

I would ask the shop that's doing your work where to get the "U" bolts. I had Merrill Axle & Wheel in Des Moines make the ones for my '67 SWB when I put the 2" lowering blocks on it. I think they were 30 bucks.

LockDoc

[JayDubBlazer]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

I would ask the shop that's doing your work where to get the "U" bolts. I had Merrill Axle & Wheel in Des Moines make the ones for my '67 SWB when I put the 2" lowering blocks on it. I think they were 30 bucks.

LockDoc

Thanks Doc, I took the axle to quick performance here in Ames. I will check into Merrill Axel in DSM.

[JayDubBlazer]

I also wanted to add a safety note if anyone ever finds this thread again. IMPORTANT: if you need to cut your U-bolts off because you cannot budge the nuts due to rusting, keep in mind that the springs will store energy. I was caught off guard when cutting them off and the bolt broke off when I still had about 1/8" to go and the bolt broke off and bounced off the concrete floor, the springs may look like they do not have a load but as long as the nuts are tight against the leaf springs assume that they are storing energy.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by JayDubBlazer

I also wanted to add a safety note if anyone ever finds this thread again. IMPORTANT: if you need to cut your U-bolts off because you cannot budge the nuts due to rusting, keep in mind that the springs will store energy. I was caught off guard when cutting them off and the bolt broke off when I still had about 1/8" to go and the bolt broke off and bounced off the concrete floor, the springs may look like they do not have a load but as long as the nuts are tight against the leaf springs assume that they are storing energy.

It's not so bad if the vehicle is sitting on the ground with all of the weight on it, but if you have it jacked up with stands under it hang onto your hat!!! I made that mistake a long time ago with the cutting torch....

LockDoc