41 in 4wheel drive question

[Gordon_M]

On the back, if I remember correctly, you just pull the driveshafts out a foot or so on each side, drop the propellor shaft, unbolt the diff carrier and swap the new unit in. Half an hour would do it. A full hour would let you clean inside the housing and popup the oil and so on.

I think the brake line runs on the axle housing itself rather that the diff carrier so you shouldn't need to touch that, but do look to see if there are any shims between the diff carrier and the housing, and keep the same shims, if any, under the ends of the half shafts.

[Kaegi]

also only use NOS diff gaskets. the thickness is critical to proper axle shaft alignment in the gears. the aftermarket gaskets (in the US anyway) are all incorrect thickness

[41powerwagon]

Thanks have nos here. Fate or what? Just had a front axle assembly appear on my search engine. Front complete for a 1941. So what does the whole assembly weigh includes springs. And only 70 miles away

[Gordon_M]

Heavy, no numbers but the swivel hubs add weight. Job for a car trailer or full sized pickup. Two people at least to load if no machinery

[gyknot]

I'll throw out a guess of about 300-350 lbs. Maybe as much as 400 even. Can't imagine any more than that.
If the springs are attached they are rather awkward to handle even with 2 people.

[41powerwagon]

Axle is home. Clean up and tear down later this week. Soon as it cools down outside.
Thanks again for all your insights, wouldn’t be possible without your help

[Dozerman51]

Purchase the Dodge Powertrain Interchange Manual form VPW and you will be “In the know” as far as changing out Dodge third members go. It’s the Bible on Early Dodge third members. Worth it’s weight in gold..

[41powerwagon]

Thanks, the TM 1808C?

[Dozerman51]

Yes? I believe that is the one.

[dougieboy1]

am sorting out my wc 58 axles. I suspect i have different ratios front and rear - front is 8 inch, rear in 9 inch. Havent counted the teeth on the ring gears yet but the front diff is seized solid and all the teeth have been torn off the pinion.....

Am using the interchange manual to sort it all out and as mentioned, its worth its weight in gold!

[Kaegi]

time to upgrade to both 9 5/8"?? the 8 3/4" were only in the 3/4 tons for 4 or 5 months maybe. The reason is they are too weak for the job. The 9 5/8" is indestructible

edit: i forgot you had a 1/2 ton. its still possible to upgrade to the larger diffs. it was occasionally done on some of the trucks at factory and depot rebuilds

[41powerwagon]

Staying with 4.8. Front axle I got appears to be in awesome shape. Thanks for idea though

[Kaegi]

good find. they did make a 4 pinion carrier for the 8 3/4" it really adds strength to the smaller diff. might be worth finding one for the rear. front doesn't get used much usually

[41powerwagon]

Okay, been awhile but I have gotten a replacement front axle. Started my winter gotta do something for my truck while the snow flies. I’m starting on the front springs I removed. And as always am looking for insight on tear down and what I should do to make it clean and good. Your insight please.
Thanks Rick

[Gordon_M]

It's not a job I'm familiar with, but as a minimum;

replace the pinion oil seal ( don't disturb pinion and diff except for checking )
replace the wiper trash seals on the ball ends.
check and adjust end float on the ball end bearings
replace seals in hubs.