55 Nomad Rear axel disassembly

[edawg55nomad]

I have a hole in my rear axle case that appears to be cause by something that broke inside and was shot out as the metal of the case is protruding outward. I have removed the entire rear axle from the vehicle and and now attempting to open the rear axle to see whats broken inside. I remove the 12 housing bolts and am trying the remove the whole unit but it will not come out. Anyone know what are the steps to get this out? Do I need to remove the center yoke nut? Do I need to remove the axles from the brakes drums? A step by step instruction would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

[acardon]

Do I need to remove the axles from the brakes drums? A step by step instruction would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
Yes, you need to remove the axles. They are splined into the center section that you are trying to remove. After removeing the brake drums, there are 4 bolts behind the axle flange that have to be removed. Then the axle can be pulled out of the rear axle tube. You may need a slide hammer to get the axle and bearing out. You can usually borrow a slide hammer from most chain auto parts stores.

[lonewolf85]

The axle,s have to be taken out first after you remove the brake drums you can see 4 bolts that hold the backing plates and axles after removing those the axles can be removed they might be stuck. you can use a slide hammer. Then the pumpkin can be removed it is probably stuck too some times you can tap a sharp screwdriver in the crack between the differential and the housing. Hope this helps tell us what you broke?:D Randall

[edawg55nomad]

Thanks so much.......got the axles off and the case open. The main drive pinion gear is shattered, which is what caused the a hole in the case. It looks like I can just replace this one main gear. Everything else looks good except one of the teeth on the main ring gear has a small chip in it. Can I just replace the pinion gear a let the ring gear go with the minor chip? Just looking for a quick fix here, down the road I probably will upgrade this entire rear-end. Also any recommendations for replacing the entire gear assembly with something better like posi or a better gear ratio? Would like to do this with no other modifications. Also could use something simple like JB weld on the case? The hole is about 1/4"

Thanks for all the help.

[MikeKy55]

Ed, the best route dollar wise would be to find a third member (center section) used and weld the hole in the housing. A pinion gear will only be available as part of a ring and pinion set. That new would be twice the cost to pick up a used center section. Since you have the housing out already, I would much rather weld the hole than use JB weld.

[edawg55nomad]

Does it have to be a 55-57 third member? Is there a cross reference somewhere ? No many good junk yard here in Vegas. Do you have any recommendations on where to get one. Could I get a custom one that would be better than the stock that would fit right in with no customization. Thanks so much for your help. This site is awesome.

[Bihili]

Sorry to hear about the bad news. Here is a Ebay option.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/55-57-CHEVY-8-5-10-BOLT-3-73-POSI-REAR_W0QQitemZ330209224125QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item 330209224125

[solanistec]

55 to 64 centers will fit

[bumpybigblok]

Any gear set will fit your housing from passenger cars 1955 thru 1964. I bet
theres lots of members on this site with spares. Pick a gear ratio and ask
around. Or did I just do it for You? Auto 3.08 Stick 3.55 Any will get you
going. Have that hole hammered smooth and welded.

[lonewolf85]

You cannott replace just the pinion. ring and pinion must be replaced as set,s. I We have a use 370 in good cond that we would sell for $100.00. You pay shipping from 72455 they weigh 60 pounds. Send me a private message if you are interested?:tu Randall