Time for the "55"...

[vwnate1]

As Usual ;

Another fabulous tip from Evan.....

 

[JIMnWV]

If you can keep a secret the Explorer rear end has ratios from the mid 2's to around 4.10 and looks just like a lot of Chevy and many others that had a Spicer type rear. Even has the #%&@ "C" clip rear axles and is narrow so wheels can be spaced to fit. The best part is it has the Corvette style rotor that has the brake drum inside it so the E-brake cables run out of the backing plate just like old cars/trucks did. Dallas Mustang had one in their 1500hp twin turbo drag car with big slicks and it gave no trouble. Of course it had a "C" clip eliminator kit. Dirt cheap at salvage yards.

Hmmm interesting, might be cheaper than that 3:38-1 ring setup I was looking at. Thank you.

 

[JIMnWV]

Well as luck would have it, was going to get the axle seals installed and move on to other things but....wrong darn seals! Never fails. So the search continues. Maybe a positive update at a later date. At least the gasket came off smooth, I'll make up 2 new ones and have them ready.

 

[vwnate1]

Bearings & Seals

Well ;

At least you have the old one with the correct P/N clearly visible.....

Take that to NAPA or any FLAPS and they'll look it up for you .

I buy lots and lots of seals and bearings onLine once I know what the correct P/N is .

I assume you know whomever installed that old seal ruined it by not using the correct tool ~ I find lots of bent up nearly new oil & grease seals in the old dead stuff I get stuck resurrecting .

 

[JIMnWV]

Found the proper seals of all places at Advance. Sad thing is they were clumsy at first but pulled through anyway, first set of sesls I ordered online with the new riveted brake shoes, their listing for my truck obviously is incorrect but, it's fixed now. Had the hog head out looking it over so it got cleaned, new pinion seal and remounted in the axle housing. New National axle seals, and axles all back together. Now onto the brakes......