8-3/4 rear sitting for years - replace axle bearings?

Hi all,

I've finally started working on my '66 Coronet project. I've begun going through the rear brakes, and figured while I have it all apart, I may as well replace the bearings. According to the P.O., the car had been sitting since about 1978. I have no idea what shape they're currently in, but they don't look like they've been submerged. Unfortunately, my parts guy can no longer get some of the parts. Also, I know some people on this board say the "Green" bearings shouldn't be used on a street car. Although this car won't be a daily driver, I do plan to drive it a lot (but not race it). My question is: should I replace the bearings now, while everything is apart? Or just re-pack them, and wait for something to start making noise before worrying about replacing? As always, all opinions appreciated, thanks.

Roger

My experiance with rears thats been sitting is that if it isnt leaking it should be good, id run like it is .

Same advice here, except: Repack the bearings and set endplay as usual. The general consensus is that when the bearings go bad, there will be a growl or roar. It may also feel as if you are driving with a knobby tire at low pressure. Replacing the bearings now may buy you some peacer of mind, but I like to wring every mile out of my parts.

repack and run it

I have run greens on a daily driver 9 yrs before one went out

2 yrs on the new set so far

I drive 80-90 miles a day and hammer it all the way

I think hauling a car dolly with a bad wig wag empty took the 9 yr set out with side loading,IMO

lots of them been running the streets with out problems

get the better green bearings..M-400 IIRC

check with DrDiff for the parts your guy cant get

they dont make the adjusters any more either

run them unless they are making noise. i still run the original ones in my 8 3/4 and its from a 67 new yorker.
i dont like the green bearings personally. i tried them in my dart and the bearing came loose from the plate that bolts to the axle and started to move in and out of the housing. and with them you have to remove the pin in the center of the rear end between the axles.
i have just never had any problem with the original type. adjust them and forget about it.

I just rebuilt my rear changing gears and installed a posi unit. The bearings that were in there seemed good, so I got a needle for my grease gun and repacked them. Remember that they need to be packed real good as this is the only lube they get.

I ran them 8 yrs with the thrust block in the 74-489 case and 3 yrs with the thrust block removed from a open 67-742 case

either with or with out,IMHO

the ones with the crimped on plate(MP) are the ones NOT to get

the M-400 is the one with a spiral snap ring that will not come off like the crimped plate does

I don't like the first generation (RP-400) Green bearings with the crimped on plate sold by Mopar Performance.

The MO-400/ST-400 snap-ring Green bearings are much more durable. The flange won't come loose, and you do not need to remove the differential thrust block.

Thanks, everybody. I'll just re-pack and keep the ones I have.

I just repacked the old bearings on my 67 a short while back using a needle adapter on the old grease gun.