Is there a way to tell the size of your rear axle without taking the 3rd member out? I know that there is a large and small rear axle for the 7s, how do I know which one I have?

Thanks

 

sure. count the # of axle splines

 

The wheel bearings increased in size too,so Im pretty sure the housing got bigger around the outer bearing housing too.If you dont want to pull an axle(which is easy) then measure the circumference of the housing directly behind the brake backing plate and we can compare that with any axles we might have lying around.....I have a large axle housing,but I got rid of my small one.

 

Measure just behind the axle brake caliper mounting bracket. There will be a hub diameter that the bearing fits into that will measure 2 7/8 inch for a small axle & 3 1/4 inch for a large axle.

Happy Holidays
David

 

The absolutely easiest way is to look at your driveshaft to pinion bolts. The small-bearing cars had a threaded pinion flange, so they'll have bolts threaded into them through the driveshaft. If it's a big-bearing, then it'll have thru-holes, so the bolts will run through the driveshaft flange, pinion flange, and have a nut on the far end.

 

Thanks a lot guys! This is a tremendous help. Have a good New Years.