The Official "What The Heck Is This?" Thread

Hey Donny.... " Marshall Tucker " was my first 8 track , in my 1970 Chevy Biscayne !

 

Tearing into the front axle today. This is the view of the top of the knuckle. Exploded parts diagram calls for “cap screw” (#14). My FSM is a repro and it’s hard to see since it’s been Xeroxed a ton. What’s actually there is threaded bolts with threads on both ends - was bubba up to no good (again) or is that what’s supposed to be there?

 

I’ve seen both methods. The studs are a better solution IMO, since the repeated use in the cast knuckle can wear out the threads and strip without much effort over time. If the studs are loctite’d in, it’s a fairly permanent solution.

 

Those are called studs. In some applications they are superior, because the unthreaded body is machined to a very precise specific dimension.

 

Ah yeah, duh “studs.” The other end of the axle was all caps bolts.

 

Finally got a look inside the D27A.

Would this have rust on half of the diff cover pitting have been caused by water sitting in the oil? Looks like there is also some pitting on the gears. I wasn't planning on replacing or overhauling the gears, just the seals and bearings...how do you make a determination if you need to replace these gears?

 

I would run those gears!

 

I would run them too

 

That rust is from condensation. The vehicle sat a bunch with temperature swings, cold to warm. The rust on the gears isn't terrible, and you can get away with it for a front axle thats not always engaged.
-Donny

 

Awesome, thanks guys - and you chimed in in the time it took me to change one poopy diaper no less!

 

View attachment 49851

 

OK how about the wear on this spindle? What is the cause - bearing wear??

 

What wear? It's greasy, and the seal surface is a bit colored, but I don't see much wear. Nothing turns against the spindle except the rubber seal.

 

Oh I thought that the groove on the spindle was wear...I blame the lack of sleep. Now, does anyone know how to get a 7 week old baby to help me clean these axle parts?

 

Wait about 8 years and tell him/her, "whatever you do, do not to clean the axles".