VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 38 Town Sedan rear axle came out. What now?

What to look for.
A torque tube(from U joint back) that is attached to the large iron housing you see bolted to the stamped axle housing (ban-jo housing) that goes from wheel to wheel. This big housing (in the center) will contain the differential parts like the (3.73) ring gear and pinion. it unbolts from the ban-jo housing and slides out from the front.
This can be from a 1937-1939 model that DOES NOT have knee-action.
You cannot use a 1937 axle or the ban-joe housing. That must be from a 1938 or 1939. Can't use the 1939 axles either.
The ring gear must have 41 teeth (will be stamped on the gear) and pinion geat 11 teeth.

so I i will retain the housing and still can use a 38 axle? You are awesome and hope you have a great New Year.
Thank you very much for your time and expertise, you are a gentleman and a scholar
best wishes
Michael

Will a 40 coupe rear end work, a fellow has a complete rebuilt rear end available. Is the 40 coupe 4.11 also

The 1940 rear axle and torque tube will not fit into a 1938, due to the spline count being 17 on the drive shaft , and not 10 splines like on the 1938 to 1939.

If you change the u-joint or maybe only the back yoke to the 17 spline will a '40 rear end fit? If so are there other part changes required?

The 1939 and 1940 U joint and yokes are very diifferent.
The 1940 would have a 4.11 unless it was a Master 85, then would be a 3.73.

I don't want to confuse this post with too much information but if you end up rebuilding a 38 gearset, there are NOS 4:22 ring and pinions offered on Ebay every day. One or two look to be in perfect condition and the rest have some rust on them.

I threw a new one in the scrap iron

I’m sorry for dragging this out, but I have to ask. Can I simply grind ring gear chips at 45 degree angle and replace axle? What would they have done in 38? I’m looking for the least expensive repair. I can always mod in the future when funds are abundant. I’m afraid my 38 will become a basket case.

Can you post some pictures in the members area so the damaged teeth are visible?

I can try, never did that. Does the members area allow you to upload pics directly?

Yes you can upload directly as long as you pay attention to the size limit. I forget what limit is.

look for the "members - photos" forum and it's easy.

uploaded, now not sure how to share. I made photos available to everyone.

You can send pictures to me via email ...chevgene@msn.com

I could not find the photos in the members forum. A step may have been missed.

That's a good looking car! See what Gene's thoughts are on those chips...

With the abundance of 4.22 ring & pinion kits out there, I would say that that's the least expensive option.

I've searched everywhere, it's very difficult to find someone selling axles, and most of them don't know if the vehicle was a Master or Master Deluxe.

I've taken my axle apart, and followed the instructions carefully on disassembly & assembly, but I still ran into issues, especially while replacing the propeller shaft bearing. There are posts with pictures of what I did, let me know if you want links.

Doing it yourself will save you quite a bit of $$$, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you are 100% confident that you can do it.

If you are going to replace pinions, rings, axles, etc, you might as well put new bearings & seals in if yours aren't new, and you might have to purchase/rent specific tools.

Is there a pile of debris in the bottom of the case? Those chunks should be laying in the bottom I would think. I wonder if the chips are a previous problem that someone cleaned up and ignored?

thank you, I like her. I don't plan on her being down for long.

The broken end of the axle shaft is a rather clean brake. I would doubt if there would have been any pieces large enough to chip the ring gear teeth. If fact when the axle broke the ring gear/car would not even move. One or two teeth have chips out way to the outter end, Looks more like a bolt feel out at one time and did some damage.
If it were my car I would replace just the axle shaft and seal and wheel studs. Clean out every thing best as possible and draw a magnet through the area. Also get a round automatic transmission magnet for a trans. shop and place in te bottom of the housing but not under the ring gear.
At this point it looks as if the broken piece of the axle is still in the side gear so that must be removed. A small project in its self for a beginner.

NOS axle on the way. Thanks to Gene and the crew, I have hope. I, of course will keep you posted.

Wow this is impressive. Gene and his network found you an NOS axle. We look forward to hear about her being back on the road.

The team helped me confirm correct part number, then off to google where i found a shop in Wisconsin that had two, now one.
Thanks VCCA Team

Hi again Gene,
Can you elaborate on suggestions, I'm capable but not experienced
-seal(housing cover seal i presume) and wheel studs.

-round automatic transmission magnet for a trans. shop and place in te bottom of the housing but not under the ring gear.
**(round magnet remain in rear end to collect metal particles, but what secures it from coming in contact with moving parts.)

-At this point it looks as if the broken piece of the axle is still in the side gear so that must be removed. A small project in its self for a beginner.
**any suggestions where i can find instructions to remove remaining axle pieces and install new? I imagine i will need a new retainer also?
Thank you
Michael
PS. I have the basic 1938 Chevrolet service manual and a Motors Manual covering my1938.