VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1933-1936 Rusty differential case

I've been able to get NOS parts for most all the bearings and gears for the rear axle/differential on my 36 Master, but after cleaning the differential case, I found that the facing is badly pitted. This is where the inside of the case contacts the small pinion gears (see pictures). Is this serious enough that I should try to find a replacement case?

i would

Tha case fits 1933-36 Master cars and 1933-39 1/2 ton trucks so should not be difficult to find.
The rear end must have sat in water for an extended period.How do the axle bearings and mateing area on the axle shafts look?

Axle shafts look great. The only rust was in the differential (ring gear, pinion, pinion gears, side gears). I'm replacing all bearings and bushings though, including NOS axle bearings (from chevyb). Mating surfaces on axle shafts are clean.

Randy
I have the same problem with my 38 only worse, the bearing cages had rusted to the collapsing stage. All I can save is the outer casing.
As pushrod says replace anything that has a rust mak on it or it cause trouble later on.
By what I can see in the pics the housing is badly worn to the stage of letting axle shafts walk out anyway, which is not a pleasant experience either.
Tony

I'm in luck. Chevyb had a good used case, so I'll be replacing it. There are some NOS ones out there, but they're a bit pricey.

You sure have been lucky in finding parts

You sure have been lucky in finding parts

The luck was finding you guys to help out a "green" mechanic. As you know, the parts are out there. It just depends on how much "green" you're willing to part with.