Re: rear-end rebuild
Robert:
To replace the four bearings, two single races, one double race, three seals and all the gaskets is a cost of about $330. from Bratton's. labor costs can vary depending on who is doing the price quoting. There are places that charge a flat labor rate of about $500.
If the rear assembly is operating and is relatively quiet I would leave it alone as some have suggested. The seals, even if shot, are of little concern. They are grease seals, not oil seals, and the two in the rear axle are there only for the purpose of forcing grease into the rear wheel bearing from the two grease fittings in the backing plates. Pack the wheel bearings by hand and forget about the seals.
Torque all 20 banjo to axle housing bolts to 35 ft. lbs and see if the leak stops. If it does not you can pull the axle housings off and replace the gaskets. Just be sure to replace each side with the same quantity and thickness as found. The banjo gaskets determine the pre-load on the carrier bearings.
To learn more about the rebuild process go to the web site of the Santa Anita A's at santaanitaas.org. On the home page put your cursor on "Technical Reference", my name will appear below click on it. Scroll to the article about differential rebuild revised 2014. This is a very lengthy article and will include part numbers and cost and a description of what is required for a proper rebuild.
Be careful where you contract for a rebuild. Take it only to a shop that speaks Model A otherwise you will be greatly overcharged and likely have it done wrong.
Good luck with your project.
Tom Endy
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