rob81gsl

iTrader: (3)

does anyone know if there is an axle bearing out there that would allow me to run the 84-54 axles in an 81-83 axle housing since the O.D. of the bearing is different and wont fit into the housing? i would just swap the whole housing but i already have my panhard and third link stuff welded on to my current 81 axle housing. any help or reccomendations as to where i might find one ASAP would be greatly appreciated

rob

680RWHP12A

cant do it, the bearing sizes aretotally different.. the only option would be to cut off your existing axle bearing ends and weld the larger axle bearings onto the early rear end.. sounds like less work to re weld your panhard bar and 3rd link

jgrewe

iTrader: (1)

Have you tried going to an industrial bearing supply place with your dimensions and see whats available. You just might get lucky.

rob81gsl

iTrader: (3)

thats actually what i am looking into now, trying to get lucky and find a bearing that is sized correctly and just swapping them out. there isn't really any companies that sell bearings like that here in my town that i am aware of. so if anyone knows of any places like that please let me know so i can see if there is a bearing out there that could be used

flycasta

iTrader: (3)

There is bearings that will fit but most of them are very thin in profile like the bearings from airconditioning units. I sell brgs for a living in Australia and looked into this for a mate of mine. The bearings themselves are a bit wider and you would also need to get a new bearing retaining plate made for the end of the axle tube. I dont think there is a narrow bearing available and even if there was it wouldn't be able to cope with anywhere near the load the original does, which is not very much.

It can be done but there is probably more work than just changing the housings over. You also end up with disc brake rear if thats any good to you. I'm not sure about your models but I think the 84-85 SL run drum brakes so maybe thats an option if the axles in those housings are 26 spline larger type.

If you want anymore info pm me

Duane

rob81gsl

iTrader: (3)

well not carrying heavy loads would be a huge issue to me. this going on a road racing car which obviously sees lots of lateral loads. but if you know of any sites or companies that i could look into this a little closer and see what it would take to do, please pass it on it would be greatly appreciated

flycasta

iTrader: (3)

I'll post the different options when I get into work tomorrow for you.

The main thing is that you will need to get a new retaining plate made. The thing that has 4 bolts holding the bearing into the end of the axle tube, reason being is that the original bearing is a single row of ***** and the new bearing will be a double row bearing making it wider. You will also need to get some material machined off the axle where the bearing presses hard up against back towards the whell flange. This wont make it any weaker though.

If I could post pics I could show you in a series of pics.

As I said I'll post the differences tomorrow and you can go from there.

Duane

flycasta

iTrader: (3)

Ok,

The original bearing will be a 6206 which is 30mmi.d x 62mmo.d x 16mm wide

i.d. = inside diameter
o.d. = outside diameter

you want to change to the axle the larger type which uses a 35mm i.d. and 18mm??? wide bearing.

There is a bearing we were going to use until we changed to free floating hubs which is a Toyota airconditioner bearing. The load carrying capacities were roughly 30,000 ftLB for the standard bearing and for the Toyota Aircon. bearing it was around 35,000ftLB.

The Toyota bearing, Nachi brand (35BG06GDS) dimensions are 35mm id x 62mm od x 21mm wide. It has 2 rows of ***** in it compared to the original having only 1 row of *****. Due to the extra width it will hang out of the axle housing by the extra 5mm, this will need to be held in place by a specially made end cap to hold the bearing captive in place but now also support the bearing as well. The axle will also need to be machined along the length out toward the flange that the wheel bolts onto, this will be fine as there will still be plenty of strength in the axle. This is to allow for the extra width of the bearing otherwise you can leave it alone but it will push your axle out by another ??mm giving you an extra up to 10mm track width ***just be careful that the axle splines still engage enough of the LSD*** again ??mm shouldn't be a problem but please check, also the retaining collar thats holds the bearing on needs to have just as much material to hold onto the axle. A wire ring groove can be cut into the axle towards the axle splines and placed in front of the retaining collar to help hold the retaining collar on. A spot of tack weld is commonly used to hold the collar on, but is not a good option.

The standard retaining ring from the series 3 can be used but you will need to find another seal which will be very easy, due to the size difference between the series 1 seal and the series 3 retainer.

The larger bearing found on the series 3 is slightly wider than the series 1 bearing and some of my measurements may not be exact. Check them while doing the modifications. As I said we didn't go ahead with this modification as we went with free floating hubs.

Like I said I still think it would be easier to get a series 3 diff and reweld your extras onto it.


Sorry for the long Essay. If you need anymore info let me know.

Duane