9 inch center section rebuild

[jes72mustang]

I picked up a 9inch center section with 3.50 open gears at Carlisle for $60. Yes $60 in good shape. the outside of the casing was covered in years of grease and grime and I started cleaning it last night (used Carb and Choke cleaner). It did not have anything protecting the gears themselves from dust and debris, so I think I need to take the gears and bearing out and clean and lube them, then reassemble.

Does anyone know of a good website that details how to do this? Anf if I am going to take the gears out to clean them, would it make sense to instal a mini-spool or some other type of locker at that point?

I am still learning all of this so thanks for the help. I just couldn't pass on that price, I have seen just cases go for more than that on ebay.

Thanks

 

[steel1212]

If your going to take it apart might as well put in some sort of posi. I wouldn't put a spool unless your pure drag race but thats just me. Can't help you on how to do this though.

 

[grego37]

There's no reason to take it apart and clean it. You can do it by turning it over by hand and using brake parts cleaner.

Sorry to rain on your parade , but If you decide you want to put a posi in it, take it somewhere and have it done.
There are special tools you'll need, and there's allot of knowledge that only comes from experience in this area, you cant learn this from a book or magazine article.
You can set it up wrong and end up doing more damage.
good luck

 

[Pbum5]

don't forget to spray some wd-40 on the gears and stuff to prevent any surface rust from forming while it is sitting around..

 

[jes72mustang]

Thanks for the info Grego, I wasn't really looking forward to tearing it apart anyway. My question in reply though is won't the break cleaner disolve any greasein the bearings and so on and will I need to re-lude them? Or will all the rear-end fluids take care of all lubrication needs?

Thanks

 

[Edbert]

I'll second the "don't use a spool" thought, posi is okay, I prefer a locker, but either is better than the peg-leg open.

Assembling the rear end takes some special tools and time but it is not an art. Setting the gear lash (blueprinting) IS an art form though, take it to a pro!

 

[grego37]

My question in reply though is won't the break cleaner disolve any greasein the bearings and so on and will I need to re-lude them? Or will all the rear-end fluids take care of all lubrication needs?

Thanks[/QUOTE]

Correct. I dont think you want to dry out the bearings.

If its just gear oil on it, leave it . but if it was sitting in someones back yard for years, then id have it rebuilt, rust aint good.
If you're going to clean it, maybe just clean the gears. Spray on a rag and wipe down each tooth of the ring.