Inliners International Forums General Discussion Drive Train 1952 Axle Shaft Problem

I have a stock rearend in my '52. I was removing the torque tube and installing a '58 pumpkin when I found that my axles had chips on the bearing surface. Not sure if "chip" is a very good discription... 3/8 inch long spots where it looks like the metal was stressed and the top 1/16 of an inch of metal has fallen out. Sort of like when an old hammer chips. Is this a common problem with old Chevy axles because the bearing rides there? Is there a newer axle that will fit? Maybe one that already has 4 3/4 inch bolt pattern? I don't want to pay for new axles...I've only got an old Chevy 6. Seems like a waste.

JBrancheck

Dear Mr. Brancheck;

I'm not really sure what the question is.

Axles either work or they are broken. What you have, may be some defect in the Mfg. process from 1952. Hard to say W/O seeing them etc.

I would use them 'as-is'. They've worked well so far.

Good luck.

Personally, I would replace the axles. Avoiding one breaking while going down the road is worth the price of new ones. Check the links page under parts and there are several truck part suppliers.

I was planning on changing the axles. Why put new bearings and seals in the reaend with jacked up axles. I just don't plan on buying "NEW" axles. I was trying to be optimistic and hoping somebody may have run into the same problem and had the cheap and easy fix. Maybe an axle from a newer vehicle that fit. No such luck