Sorry to butt in. Can anybody tell me if I need a special seal with this type of bolt in axle. I am trying to replace my axle bearings and seals. The picutures of the seals look different than my new ones. I have a hard time understanding how this little seal can support the pressure of the axle wanting to slide out. My rearend is a 71 Buick 8.5 posi. I am also thiking about buying the Gear Vendors OD unit. Larry, let me know what you think of yours and is it worth it?? Thanks, Gary
The brake kit is Classic Performance Products big brake conversion from summit but you can buy other places too. Not the top of the line kit, but it's not a bad kit either for a "bolt" on. Can't say thumbs up 100% till I get her back on road but I'm sure it will be a huge upgrade from stock manual drums.
Be careful with the seals. There are seals that aren't the same width, and if you have the wrong ones, the axle end play will be excessive. The seals I used were 712146 with an A9 bearing. The seals do not hold the axle in, the axles are bolt on. There are 4 studs and nuts that hold the axle in. I love the GV unit. It has been very reliable for me. Guys have different opinions on OD. Some figure it out with dollars and cents, and how long it will take to get their money back. I couldn't care less about that. I bought it to reduce wear and tear on long trips. My gas mileage went from 11-12 to 14-15 MPG. I think I could do better with a leaner Q-jet, but I'm happy with it the way it is. The GV drops my RPM on the highway by about 600 RPM. I have 3.73's with a 28" tire. At 60 MPH, I'm at 2150 RPM.
??? QUESTION. Why do you have the calipers on backwards? The plates are also on the wrong way. I am very familiar with this brake system. I think you have some issues here. Hope you also installed the spacer plate for the bolt in axles too. Jim Call if you are unsure what I am talking about. Your parking brakes are pointing to the back of the car. Your calipers should be over to the back of the car. Jim 330 990 8155 JD ---------- Post added at 12:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:27 PM ---------- Always have these bushing instock polyurathane or MOOG rubber. Jim JD
Very good catch!! We actually noticed that out last night while trying to finish getting the rear back in. When I went to put parking cable on.. Oh crap..ou: We assembled the kit while the rear was upside down. It will be corrected today! I will order the gears and posi from you this weekend. Instructions are horrible but once you have done these kits, its an easy install. Thanks! ---------- Post added at 09:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:38 AM ---------- Monzaz do you have pics of any installs you have done? I've found a few for chevelles and something's are not the same.
Thanks Larry for the part #'s. I got the Ratech #9107 bearing and made sure it crossed over to the A9 which it did. The seal I got was a Ratech #6133. I could not find the crossover from the part# you gave me but I checked all measurements from my old one and they matched up. Thanks again for all the help. I am now having some spacer shims made up for the disc brake conversion I did when I was in my 20's. (did not know a whole hell of alot then). I had about 1/2" end play in the axles because I did not allow for the thickness of the caliper bracket. A little scary when I think about how many times I had her sideways going through first and second! I went with the 3.73's also and I do not care to much about gas mileage. I will have the best of both worlds having the 3.73's and the hit a button and go right to 2.90's. Would like to say I am very impressed with your car and I hope I can get mine as fast as yours. I have owned mine for 28 years and I still have not gotten bored yet. Gary
Yah - Sorry for giving the news. Seems it is always my job to give the news no one wants to hear BUT must be told. You will have to flip the plates from side to side also I think. Jim
