Hello all. I've been working on my '50 F1 for several years. Obviously coming along slowly. It was recovered from a field when I bought it and needed everything. I am now working on bolting in the rear end. It is the original Dana 41. I cleaned it up and painted it with POR-15. I obtained all of the bearings and seals thinking I should replace them all. Now I'm concerned about disassembling it and not getting it back together and adjusted correctly. The parts turn smoothly and quietly, so I'm not certain if I absolutely have to risk taking it all apart. I don't want to take the short-cut if it will come back to bite me, but I'm not asking for trouble I don't need either. What are your opinions? Do I risk it or move on and hope for the best? Thanks for the input.

 

Was there any sign of water being in the diff or the tubes?

 

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

As long as it looks clean inside and the backlash is not sloppy I would run it as is. If it whines then it can be rebuilt then.

 

There was no water that I detected. Just old oil in the diff. I like what I'm hearing! Thanks.

 

Just to give some advice, I have a 51 f-1 with original rear took the cover off in 1994 when I restored the truck ,it looked good I just put new gear oil in it, my 56 has original in it as well, changed the gear oil in 2008 and has been fine! ( knock on wood) I think there pretty good rears, they both looked good and saw nothing that warranted a full rebuild.

 

Thanks for the feedback Jafo56. I'm convinced to just put new oil in and let it go. I guess I'll just hang on to the parts since I have them. Thanks again.

 

Just a FYI. If you leave it as is, Run it a little and pull both drums to make sure the axle seals aren't leaking. You don't wanna screw up your new brakes! Or since you have the parts replace the axle seals and then you won't have to worry.

 

Good points BJ. If I change the axle seals I at least won't be messing with the pinion adjustment. Thanks.