I've got what sounds like bad pinion bearing in my 65 Wildcat Custom Convertible. The rearend is a 3.07 behind a TH400 tranny. Question. Year One sells rebuild kits for the Differential for about $100 that includes new pinion bearings and seals and shims etc. For about $250, they sell a kit that only comes in 3.42, but includes new gears as well. Without taking the rear end apart (it still runs fine, just very noisy) how do I decide which route to go? Is it normal for the gears to need replacing as well or should I be okay just replacing the pinion bearings? Thanks! Brian
pinion bearings if you like the way it runs now,just replace the bearings & seals.the 3.42's will give better accelleration but less gas mileage.you may want to take it apart first & inspect everything before spending $$$.if you have never done a diff before,find someone who has to help set backlash & preload.changing ratio meens changing speedo gear as well.also,you may be able to find parts at a driveline overhaul shop instead...may be locally & cheaper.check the phone book for a driveline component place like North American Drivetrain Components. any more questions,just ask. good luck.
Huh??? Brian, Can you post a link, or a part number, to that Year one kit? I'm willing to bet that kit is for Skylark and LeSabre not for the Buick big car rear end (the one with the front drop-out housing). As far as I know, nobody is reproducing replacement stuff for them. uzzled: Also, check your driveshaft center bearing assembly as those can sound very much like a bad differential when they go bad. :TU:
you have one of the most knowledgable 65 wildcat guys in your back yard look up Ted Nagel he has the parts and he has the way to get the parts needed for our wildcats try his email Ted Nagel E-mail Address(es): nagel@iac.net good luck :3gears: Greg :TU:
http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/fbshopmain2.asp?cat=2 This is the page I'm looking at: MG10RMK Differential master bearing kit for GM 8.5"/8.6" 10-bolt rear differential. $93.00 MG10RMKT Differential master bearing kit with Timken bearings for GM 8.5"/8.6" 10-bolt rear differential. $99.00 Any advice would be appreciated! I sent an email to Ted a while ago and he offered up a rear end....just thought I might try it myself if I could find the parts.........Probably the better way to go though. Ted, If you're listening, I would love to get together and share our Buicks! What exactly what am I looking for on the Driveshaft center bearing support? Thanks!
Brian, Save your money on parts that will actually fit your car. Just as I thought, those kits are for the 10 bolt rear ends. The bearing in the driveshaft is right in the center where it's supported by a rubber insulator ring. All of it is mounted into a bracket that is bolted to a frame crossmember. With the car in the air, the parking brake released, and the trans in neutral, rotate/shake the driveshaft in the middle. If you hear any strange noises or see some excessive side-play then something is worn out.
Brian, Buick did not use the corporate 8.5 rearend until '71 production in their A-bodys. No new 3.42 gears are avail for a '65 Wildcat. Pinion bearings, carrier bearings, races, & seals will have to be sourced locally, & rearend rebuilt by seasoned builder. :3gears: Roger
the "honor" of buying the Year One way... Recently had a customer throw in the towel on an upcoming nodular iron 8.2 Pontiac HD Safe-T-Track build, the rear was not going to be near strong enough for his application. Before going to a 30 spline 8.5 A-body rear, he had given an extra $35 to YearOne, for the privelege of buying a pair of RW507CR's & a pair of axle seals from them. Same deal in pricing of above 8.5/8.6 small bearing kit. The same kit in Federal Mogul, at most good local autoparts stores is around $70. Just my .02...YO does get any of my money & I buy 5-7K in repro parts a year. :3gears: Roger
Thanks for the info.....and the saved money! Looks like I'll try to get a used rear end and go that route. Thanks!
