Rear end advice
 

I have a 77 f150 4x4 with the 460. The rear end was leaking and the pinoin was loose, I pulled the entire assembley out and the 3rd member is cracked by the pinoin support bearing. also the ring gear has a chipped tooth. My axle is a 31 spline with 4.56 gears.

I bought another axle, I tore it apart its a 28 spline, 2.75 gears and has larger bearing. Is there anyway i can make the housing work? If not, where can I get a decently priced 3rd member housing without paying out the ass? I've tried several local junk yards, no help. I know I need a bearing kit and a new ring and pinoin! just need a housing or if I can make this other housing work somehow.

I doubt you can use the axle housing you bought with the guts of the other axle.

With a 460 engine I would suggest finding a full-floating Ford 9 inch, or a Dana 60 complete unit that will fit with the same, or near ratio.

Have you ever set up a rear-end before? There are a number of measurements, and adjustments, and special tools needed.

Yes, well not a 9 inch. I've set up many rear ends all eaton and merritor in semi trucks, but not small vehicles. I'm trying too avoid buying a complete 3rd member for $900.

Oh, well, if you have that kind of experience you shouldn't have any problem getting it right. Just follow the book on yr. make, model rear-end.

Perhaps to find one at a good price you might try, Craigslist, e-bay motors, Amazon even sells auto parts, and Rockauto.com. Y'know the usual. There is also a company called Peachstreet Auto Recycling out of Grant Pass, OR. (541) 476-9575 that might have what you're looking for at a resonable price.

Good luck, and due post updates for us.

I have another question. The rear end on my truck has the smaller bearings. on the right side axle shaft it has a ball bearing type. On the left side it has the tapered bearing with the race in the axle. Which type is the correct type?

Not sure. What make and type rear-end is that?

It may be designed with the different right side bearing because that side carries more load (torque) under acceleration.

Or, it could be that someone worked on it before, and used what'll work.

Or, the manufacture used whatever part they had available at the time durning assembly.

You might try Strange Engineering at 847-663-1701 and ask for tech support. They are experts. They will want to know the yr., make, and model of that particular rear-end.

There should be a tag, or a number stamped on it somewhere, or perhaps the truck's VIN number might give a clue what type it had when it was first assembled. Note: first assembled. The rear-end may have been changed at some point durning the truck's lifespan.

The previous owner ripped off the tag. It it a 9 inch. but which type is unknown. I'll def check out strange, thanks!