31 A rear axle shaft damage

[jms50f5coe]

I have disassembled the rear wheels, drums and hubs off my friends Dad's 31 A Coupe after finding the right rear wheel had been damaged from loose lug nuts. I had to die grind the lug nuts off as the studs had spun in the hubs/drums. The right wheel, drum and hub are ruined. Upon inspection of the axle tapers and keyways both sides appear to have some damage also. Right side needed a puller to remove the hub. The left side hub came off by hand. Both keyways do not look very good and the keys are worn and sloppy fitting. Both axle tapers have been marked up in a few places by what looks like ball pien hammer marks. I have not dye checked the tapers yet but I suspect they both have cracks. Is it possible to replace the axle shafts with out having to go thru the process of checking preloads and backlash of the differential?

[Bob Bidonde]

I have replaced rear axles with used originals more than once without any negative consequences. The 190A in my avatar has a driver's side axle salvaged from another axle, and it runs quiet.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by jms50f5coe

Is it possible to replace the axle shafts with out having to go thru the process of checking preloads and backlash of the differential?

The answer to your question is 'Yes.'. Remove the axle housing on the left side to remove the differential carrier paying close attention to the compressed thickness' of the gaskets between the axle tube housing and the differential housing. Disassemble the differential carrier and replace the axle(s). Re-install the carrier with the replacement axle(s) installed and install the R/S drum temporarily while someone is holding the carrier assy. into the R/S housing. By installing the hub/drum on the R/S, this effectively holds the carrier engaged so the L/S housing can be installed. I generally soak the housing gaskets in water if I am having difficulty of them sliding over the housing's gasket surface lip.

[jms50f5coe]

Thanks Brent,
Sounds pretty straight forward. Hopefully I can source a pair of good used axles nearby.

Best regards.

[katy]

If you're replacing the axles this would be a good time to replace the inner axle seal that's inside each axle housing at the outboard end.

[jms50f5coe]

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Katy,
Thanks for the reminder. I will be inspecting all internal components. Bearings, gears, ect.. Then onto brakes on all four corners.

best regards