[aotte1]

Rear 12 bolt Refurbished

The rear 12 bolt axle was rebuilt with new axles, bearings and seals, along with new Eaton posi and 3.73 gears. The axle tube powder coated gloss black, not original color, but just like it that way. The backing plates are semi-gloss black powder.

The original axles were pitted some what bad at the bearing surfaces, so replaced them with new Moser original size, 6 lug. Wheel studs are 7/16 by 20. The backing plates are newer 12 bolt ones that have larger brake shoes/ drums, and they fit original axle length . The originals are saved!! These backing plates are from a '77 12 bolt, thanks Karl, they were also used on newer 12 bolts too, into the 80s, with HD brakes. (Note: their is a more detailed post on this brake upgrade under "12 bolt drum brake upgrade") This was done as mentioned in earlier posts to match the '79 Dana 44 front axle upgrade with disk brakes. This will keep the whole brake system, the JB5 heavy duty option, GM offered in the 70s and 80s. The GM specs on this HD brake package are listed in earlier post number 211.


Will finish dressing it out soon, first need to look at emergency brake cables to see if they need any R/R before reinstalling them.

Photos below, last one shows putting a little synthetic grease on the outer bearings to protect them when first used.

Using non-synthetic lube to protect clutches in posi.

Will save the wheel studs from original axles, as they are in great shape for later use. Wish had used on new axles, did not thinks about that soon enough.

Les