I've already seen two 9-3/8" assembles with bad inner bearings; one was a rear pinion bearing & the other the left carrier bearing. I've also done a handful of outside axle bearings. Seen a few cross shafts that were badly galled, probably due to too many one-wheel burnouts. The bad news is if one of the inside bearings is shot, the damage may already be done. It sure doesn't hurt to check, espcially considering how rare the parts are these days. Devon
I fried an inner bearing in my first axle form running it dry. It sounded like bird was chirping inside it. That also melted the rubber brake hose that was mounted on top of the housing, causing a tow back.
hey zach. if you really want to do it yourself, all you need is a '68 buick service manual. but you're a braver man than i if you try it. the pinion depth & angle has to be right before you even put the carrier in. the carrier must mate perfectly with the pinion. i'm glad i had professsional help with my swap, and we didnt even touch the pinion. bearings & shims are important but be prepared to pay ALOT(http://www.ratechmfg.com/gm.htm). also, it seems the 9 3/4" rear needs a bit more posi additive than "normal" rears. my advice is to have a pro do it, especially if you drive your car hard.:beer
Sounds like Zach has a complete rear axle assembly to work with, so he doesn't have to look forward to a carrier transplant, at least. Devon
*thread-jack* cold doesn't scare me. i'm planning on moving to michigan next month. it was 0* here when i rode my bike to work this morning. as long as i dont post rear-end advice, so what if i lose 20 i.q. points?
Yep clean, replace fluid, gasket, etc.. after a through check of course. Yardley you keep spares?! Geez that sounds expensive, Ill keep my original just in case but I don't think Ill need it or at least I hope I won't. Just how easy are these things to break exactly? Thanks Zach
Oh btw, does anyone know the formula to find what the biggest tire size you can put on your rim is? I have the rally rims, would like to buy some pretty big meats for the rear. Whats the biggest tire people have put on their Riviera? Thanks Zach
Short sticky tire. Don't offset the gear you just put in by going to a taller tire, doesn't make sense.
safe limit. ON THIS POST HERE, jose in cali claims to have 275s on stock rims. he's got side pipes tho, and doesn't have to worry about the inside of the tire rubbing the exhaust. everyone else is running 225s, 35s, 45s, or 255s. with 275s, i'd worry about the tire coming off the rim during hard cornering.
hmmmm...never thought about offsetting the gear ratio. I also have side pipes put that 275 still sounds risky, I think I'll find a pair of nice sticky 235s or something. In other news its now a whole 5 degrees warmer here in Chicago bringing our high to 20 degrees, I've never been so happy for 20 degree weather, ha! Zach
yeah, its 44 here and feels hot! use a TIRE DIAMETER CALCULATOR to make sure you have the same diameter tires. you prolly knew about that already. hey zach, are there pics of your car up anywhere? i LOVE 67s, especially in BLACK! star wars air cleaner? no pressure. just wonderin'. :beers2:
LOL sorry forgot these were kinda big, anyway here are a few samplings of my eternal work in progress, don't forget there is the youtube vid here too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5gkHQ4KQHU let it load for a few seconds. Zach
oh yeah, now i remember! black on black, custom v/cs and air cleaner, exact same exhaust set-up i have... looks & sounds good!
