Rear diff. questions 1950 Flathead V8 F1

[Cap'n Dick]

I recently completed several upgrades on my F1. That included a 12V conversion, electric fan with shroud, new DC Holley 94, et. The motor started quickly and runs great. I started to back out of the garage and heard a loud metallic bang, which I can't identify. I quickly discovered a major leak from the right rear brake drum area. Everything was a mess. Covered in brake fluid. The wheel cylinder had failed. The truck is on jack stands. I rotated the passenger side wheel, which turned fairly easily. The drive shaft was rotating. Trans. is in neutral. Did the same on the driver's side. The wheel spins freely. No noise or resistance. The driveshaft doesn't move. This is where my knowledge is weak on this truck. I don't know what is supposed to happen on the driver's side. Should it also move the driveshaft. Acts like it isn't connected to anything. Any comments are welcome. I'm rebuilding the failed brake and would like to drive it for the first time in two years. Thanks, Cap'n Dick

[rotorwrench]

The differential is designed to allow differences in wheel side to side rpm in turns so they can turn independently. 1950 was the change year for the rear axle in light duty F1 pickups and Mercury cars. It should have a Dana 44 rear axle. The right side of the differential housing should have a 44 casting mark just below the right bulls eye. Earlier F1s had the Dana 41 which is similar but the rear cover is different. If it still drives when you engage the clutch then that's a good sign. I'd get a new gasket and pull that rear cover off for inspection. It's a good excuse to clean it and refill it too. No telling when that was last done.

The Dana 44 was used for many years by FoMoCo and Jeep as well as others so the gasket should be easy to get.

[TomC750]

Sounds like a broken axle on rt side.

[Cap'n Dick]

Thanks for the response. It is a Dana 44. I did change the fluid a few years ago and haven't driven it much since. Been busy with restoration, etc. I'll complete my work on the brake and make another attempt to drive it. If it is a broken axle, guess I'll have another project. Unless it's a very clean break, you'd think I'd have some resistance when turning the wheel. Thanks again.

[Bob C]

Jack up both rear wheels and put the trans in gear then rotate one rear wheel and the one on the other side should rotate in the opposite direction.

[hueyhoolihan]

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similar to previous post...

or, with the car jacked, start the engine, put it gear, at idle, and see if both tires are rotating?

[Cap'n Dick]

I do have the rear end up on jack stands. Rotating the driver's side wheel in or out of gear doesn't move the pass side wheel or the driveshaft. Spins easily. Sounds like trouble. Rotating the wheel on the pass. side does rotate the driveshaft but has no effect on the left side. Is it hard to find a replacement axle? Thanks for the responses.

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by Cap'n Dick

I do have the rear end up on jack stands. Rotating the driver's side wheel in or out of gear doesn't move the pass side wheel or the driveshaft. Spins easily. Sounds like trouble. Rotating the wheel on the pass. side does rotate the driveshaft but has no effect on the left side. Is it hard to find a replacement axle? Thanks for the responses.

it was easy peasy for me. I just borrowed my father's Oldsmobile and tooled on over to the local junkyard.
Come to think on it, that was back in 1956, so I guess it might be harder to find now 'cause that junkyard ain't there no more.
It turned out to be a fun job, but my ma made me throw away the shirt i was wearin' that day 'cause she wasn't going to wash it.

[38 coupe]

The axle shaft is held in with a retaining plate that also holds on the backing plate. This is just like the later 9 inch Ford axles. Do you have an original, or a reprint of, the shop manual? You can usually find the 49-50-51 Ford Truck Shop Manual available and it is very helpful for leading you through these types of repairs.
My memory (and you should verify this, not just rely on my memory) is the axle shafts are the same on the F-1 and early F-100s from 1948 until the spline count changed, 1955?

[rotorwrench]

The bonus built F1s and the Mercury cars in those mid century flathead years had the same 19-spline axles. Later Dana 44s had more splines.

[Scotty's 52 F3]

I did a search for vintage Dana axle parts and found a few places selling new and used parts for these old Dana axles. I found parts for my 68-72 Dana 60 I put in my F3.

Torque King, Ventures Truck Parts, Vintage Jeep Parts and Vintage Power Wagons sound promising. International Harvester and Classic Bronco parts places may also have the parts or know who may.

Good luck with your truck!
Scott in AZ.

[rotorwrench]

Axle shaft blanks can be splined for just about any application. Randy's Worldwide and Yukon Gear are places to check for items that may work in Dana 44 axles.