axel question

Discussion in 'General Maverick/Comet' started by 351WMAV, Apr 10, 2002.

  1. 351WMAV

    351WMAV Member

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    1971 2 door maverick,302,c-4, 1984 chevy truck,396, 38.5 super swampers, 8inch lift
    i have a question on axels, are 4 lug and 5 lug axels the same spline count? can i just pull out the 4 lug axels and backing plate and bolt the 5 lug backing plate and axel in place? thanks, justin
     
    351WMAV, Apr 10, 2002
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  2. Old Guy

    Old Guy Member

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    axle's

    Should be 28 spline on both and unless brake size is different, should not have to change backing plates. Be sure to check seals and axle bearings while there out. Might be a good ildea to change the differential grease too, one of the most forgotten items to do. Need a suction gun though to get it out. I always drill and tap a 1/4in pipe plug hole in the bottom of the rear housing when ever the center section is removed, this makes the draining chore much easier in the furture. Of course there is the old saying," If it ain't broke don't fix it" I just like to be on the safe side sometimes, especially when the rear gears have been sloshing in that same grease for X amount of miles etc. Nuff said out of this old guy.
     
    Old Guy, Apr 10, 2002
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  3. Rick Book

    Rick Book Member

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    LOL "Old",

    You're like the famous E.F. Hutton..... When you speak...... people listen !


    Please, never stop posting or enlightening the next generation.


    'Always searching for your post, I am


    Rick
     
    Rick Book, Apr 10, 2002
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  4. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

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    I don't believe the axles are the same. Either the axle shafts or the axle housing has a different diameter at the bearing surface, making them not interchangeable between the 4-lug and the 5-lug.
     
    Craig Selvey, Apr 11, 2002
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  5. Old Guy

    Old Guy Member

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    Axles

    Craig got me to wondering about things, being I have not had any pre 72 8in rears. Did some checking and found out that some 66 thru 72 Fords and Mavericks used a 4 lug 24 spline axle and the bearing diameter is different. All 72 and up 8in rears are supposed to be the same. Did get a hold of a 80 something Mustang II rear with 3.00 gears. The housing is real small and the bearing retainer plates and axle end bolt pattern is smaller, took out the chunk and looked great so I put it in the 75 Mav that had 2.79's. This helped wake the 302 up a little for the street, 4.62's go in at the track when I get a notion to take it there. Thanks Craig for jump starting the brain again, as the old saying goes, we are never to old to learn.
     
    Old Guy, Apr 11, 2002
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