I have a 8 3/4 housing and axels that came out of a 70 Charger that I bought in 2002. At the same time I picked up a limited slip center section with 3.55 gears. I am getting ready to put it all together now, 9 years later.

I had planned on replacing the bearings but now that I look at it the bearings, axels, races and adjuster all look like they would be OK with a clean up an re-greasing.

Is there some way to check the bearings while it is apart other than just a visual inspection?

Thanks

uNder normal operations ...I have NEVER seen a set of axle bearing that have needed replacement EVEN when there has been neglect on greasing.

JUST my experience.

Clean the grease out real good using brake parts cleaner , do it into a clean white rag , look for metal debris. soak it in mineral spirits and then blow it out , pull the race up against the rollers with your hand and turn it if the bearing is bad you will feel it .

Yup.
R.

Thanks for the prompt responses. Can anyone tell me what the foam gaskets on the axle retainer plate does? It looks like they are available but im wondering why foam and not some ordinary gasket material?

It's a gasket , why foam ??? you could use gasket material if you want , many just use RTV