New to me axles, what to watch for?

[79Betty]

Well i finally picked up a set of 3/4 ton axles for my 74 Chevy project. It is a dana 44 and 14 bolt with 4.10 gears. Axles are not my strong point, so hoping you all can help. For 175 bucks figured what the hell i can't go wrong. What should i look for when i tear into em to freshen em up? He said they been sittin for a while, so unsure as what to look for... Thanks for the help in advance ya'll. one thing to add, is i will be getting rid of my rear brakes, so what can go and stay?

[Captainfab]

How far are you going to go to 'freshen em up'? Are you going to install new bearings and seals? The first thing to look for is excessive gear backlash. Also on the front diff, look at the axle u-joints and see how they look. You're not going to run rear brakes at all? That's not a good idea.

Originally Posted by 79Betty

Well i finally picked up a set of 3/4 ton axles for my 74 Chevy project. It is a dana 44 and 14 bolt with 4.10 gears. Axles are not my strong point, so hoping you all can help. For 175 bucks figured what the hell i can't go wrong. What should i look for when i tear into em to freshen em up? He said they been sittin for a while, so unsure as what to look for... Thanks for the help in advance ya'll. one thing to add, is i will be getting rid of my rear brakes, so what can go and stay?

[79Betty]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

How far are you going to go to 'freshen em up'? Are you going to install new bearings and seals? The first thing to look for is excessive gear backlash. Also on the front diff, look at the axle u-joints and see how they look. You're not going to run rear brakes at all? That's not a good idea.

Thanks for the response. I'm willing to take it all the way to make it to where i don't have to worry about it again. Joints seals bearings n all. The joints look about as bad as the brakes, just rusted and the rubber is deteiorated around needle bearings. It is only a mud truck so it might get driven on road, once a year to the local car show. I might do back brakes but just leave em adjusted in so they don't grab. I know 14
Bolts are STRONG, but no clue how to go through it, is there a book or 2 on these axles?

[79Betty]

Add a pic

[79Betty]

Update!!! I found a guide!!!

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...4b_Gear_Setup/

This week since it's only 5-8's i'ma start the teardown!!! YEEHAW!

[79Betty]

Well the rust is too bad on the inside, it mixed with the gear oil n is inside the posi and bearings n everything. Gonna have to do a full on rebuild but hey, at least i won't have to worry about it afterward. Is the a guide on a full blown rebuild?