9 inch rear case potential problem?
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9 inch rear case potential problem?
I'm in the process of rebuilding my 9 inch rearend and wanted to run an observation by everyone for advice and opinions. I removed the third member and while cleaning the surface of the case around the mounting lugs I noticed a hairline. I can't call it a crack. These cases are obviously two halves spliced together and welded up from inside and out if you know what I'm trying to say? The line I noticed is along this splice but it is welded on the inside. What has me wondering is that the opposite side where I would expect to see a similiar hairline along the same splice, I can not see one. I wonder if this is a potential problem for a leaky case?
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From: The Shenandoah Valley
Not sure where on the housing yopu are talking about, but was it leaking there before?
You say it's welded inside, so likely all is OK as is but ... if it is all apart, it's pretty easy to weld just in case isn't it?
You say it's welded inside, so likely all is OK as is but ... if it is all apart, it's pretty easy to weld just in case isn't it?
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Do you have pics? I am not seeing anything like that on the cases i have sitting in the garage.
I cannot think of any reason Ford would cast two seperate pieces and then try and weld cast iron together.
Possibly you have a case that has been boogered back together by a previous owner?
Josh
I cannot think of any reason Ford would cast two seperate pieces and then try and weld cast iron together.
Possibly you have a case that has been boogered back together by a previous owner?
Josh
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Josh
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Sorry to create confusion on this. I'll get some pics that help me describe my question. I'm definitely not talking about the differential (ring/pinion) third member. It is certainly cast. I'm describing the steel axle housing. These axle housings appear to be made up of several components, welded together. I'll be back with a pic or two. Thanks!
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I've uploaded two pictures. One zooms in on the hairline I've mentioned previously. It is apparent that the line follows the factory splice on the axle housing. There is a bead weld on the inside of the housing along this "hairline". On another note...I've since discovered that the P.O. welded all the way around the axle tube where it is pressed into the third member housing. I suppose that is an indication that the housing was broken or stressed the weld to a point where the weld cracked and possibly began leaking??? If they did a poor job, I suppose the axle may not run "true" and will wear on the 3rd member?? Can't wait to hear back from all.
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That looks mighty straight to be a crack. Squirt a little penetrating oil on it and let it soak for a minute or two and then wipe the surface clean. Then if you pass a torch flame over it a couple of times and it really is a crack, some of the oil will rise to the surface out of the crack.
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I appreciate the advice and opions/feedback. As I said in my last post, I just discovered how that the P.O. welded around the left axle tube where it goes into the center section (3rd member housing). I have no idea why. Maybe broke due to stress, torque, etc? I have a donor truck with a 9 inch rearend that I'm considering just taking it and rebuilding instead of messing with this one. If it looks like my donor axle is in better shape, I'll likely do exactly that.
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From: The Shenandoah Valley
I've uploaded two pictures. One zooms in on the hairline I've mentioned previously. It is apparent that the line follows the factory splice on the axle housing. There is a bead weld on the inside of the housing along this "hairline". On another note...I've since discovered that the P.O. welded all the way around the axle tube where it is pressed into the third member housing. I suppose that is an indication that the housing was broken or stressed the weld to a point where the weld cracked and possibly began leaking??? If they did a poor job, I suppose the axle may not run "true" and will wear on the 3rd member?? Can't wait to hear back from all.
In any case, the "crack" you see is the joint between the pieces, and it's welded inside and then the cast iron pumkin is bolted on with all them bolts so it ain't going nowhere.
It's fine as is.
Also, that welding you thought the PO did
.... the axle tubes were never "just pressed" into the center section on the 9" Ford housings , they are all welded 360 degrees to the center section on a jig to allign it all. It's because these housings are made of heavy sheet steel that they have to.The pressed in tubes are only when using a heavy cast center section with a removable inspection plate because the heavy casting is more "rigid" and grips the tubes tightly without stretching .... and then they are secured with large plug welds. Some racers will then weld them 360 degrees later.