10 Bolt Eaton Problem

[71400lb]

I have a 1971 Cheyenne 3/4 Ton, originally came with a 350/350. I believe the big ten bolt is the Eaton that everyone has trouble identifying. Looking underneath, from the back of the truck, you see the round pumpkin...the ten bolts are all equally spaced from eachother except at 9 o'clock and at 3 o'clock where two bolts are only like an inch apart instead of three inches.

Okay, so if I indeed have this Eaton, my problem is that the pumpkin is leaking. It leaks about one tear drop per day. Is this crucial, or can I wait a while to fix it?

Where can I find a gasket for this rear end? Should I use cork, rubber, combination of cork and sealant?

Also, the guy I bought it from swears it's a 3.73 gear in the back, but from reading posts on this board, that can't be stock, it would've been an aftermarket swap right?

Sorry so long,
Thanks
Rick

1971 Chevy Cheyenne 3/4 Ton Long bed
400/400 4 bbl quadrajet
3 spd on column
3.73 open diff
dual exhausts
towing package

[toddol1971]

It could be possible that the po doesnt know what he was talking about. Silicone. Yes you can wait, thats a small leak. Icould be wrong, but i think the eaton rears only came with 4.10's & 4.56's

[71400lb]

Thanks Todd
I'll need to look under there and see if the gear ratio is stamped into the housing anywhere. I guess I'll wait to fix the leak, but forgive my ignorance, but are you saying just silicone, or a gasket AND silicone?
I hope I can still get a gasket for it somewhere.

Rick

[toddol1971]

Drain the fluid, pull the cover, clean both surfaces real good, then use some brake cleaner in a can. Spray it on a rag & wipe housing, then spray on cover & wipe clean. This is to remove all gear lube & grime. Apply silicone (you dont need alot, just a small bead) reinstall cover & add lube.