Well, actually I started yesterday on the brake lines. Today I got everything out in about 4 hours. This process was greatly simplified by the fact that I had the arms out about 12 years ago and used the stainless steel pivot bolt and shims when I reinstalled them. This time the bolts practically slid out after removing the nut. The shims look like brand new. The only real problem was the struts. They weren't moving after a few major hammer blows so I left them on the arms. I will take them to where I have access to a press and more extreme measures, if necessary.
This started because I noticed when the back of the car is jacked up, I could rock both wheels when grabbing them at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions. I was not hearing any unusual sounds but the movement has me concerned.
I'm considering upgrading the outer axles while the arms are rebuilt. I PM'd Gary R on the Forum and he was nice enough to provide some info on axle options. Or, I may just stick with the originals.

 

Good pics. Let us know if you find slack in the bearings.

 

Bruce the play you have in the axle is from the bearings not being setup tight enough. You can do a bench test by laying the arms down with the rotors bolted on, spin them, then put your hands at 3 & 9 you shouldn't feel any rock in the bearings. The stock spec is way too wide and at 003" true endplay you will feel movement. Don't go by what you see on youtube, I haven't seen a real good video there yet on setting up rear bearings, of course I might have missed some.

These are still the best outer axle made today. Others are trying but still haven't made it there yet.

 

Duntov sells these. It's what they use in there race cars

 

Hi Reno.
While not wanting to get into debate on this, those axles are stock 17 spline step downs with 3" ARP studs, They are nowhere close to being as strong as the Tom's 31 spline axles pictured and may be imported. Have some pictures of that vendors diffs as well that are very interesting.

 

Thanks guys for the axle info. I'm leaning toward keeping my stock axles. They have withstood the abuse well so far. I'd really like a 17 spline axle that gets installed just like the stock axles and is just made from better materials.

Gary - I did try the bench test with the rotors held on with lug nuts. Both rotors do rock slightly when held at the 3 & 9 positions, also at 12 & 6. I guess this confirms I need bearing replacement and proper set up.

Doorgunner - Slack, slop or wear, I've got it.

 

Yours have held up, check them to see what the axle diameters are, check the splines for twisting, polish them and cryo treat them and you should be good. Keep a press fit.
No guarantee of course because racing is going to break things sooner or later.

 

Wrong

 

Hi Bruce,
I see you have still have running with the stock strut rods all this time , any plans to upgrade to adjustable/smart struts while your at it to improve negative camber? Always curious about stockish setups on proven strong 1/4 mile runners .

 

Phil - I do have my original struts, with stock bushings that I replaced years ago. I keep an eye on the camber and use a level to check it. I adjust with the stock eccentric bolt/washer and paint a line to confirm that it doesn't move. This is pretty crude but I really haven't had problems with camber. As far as what happens when I leave the starting line, I have numerous pictures and from what I see, the back wheels remain vertical with very little squat. So, I'm planning to leave well enough alone there.

 

I followed up on Reno's lead on Duntov Motors. I found the axle shown below. This could be what I'm looking for since I really don't have a need for $1K + axles in my car. I need to get some more info. Does anybody have experience with these or with Duntov Motors parts?

 

I have not had a problem with them at all. They are serious about racing and very helpful

 

well since you asked here is what is known. They used to be FastCorvette there may still be some here who remember them or had dealings that were lets say, not the best. Then changed to Duntov. Do a search about them here.

I doubt they make those axles and they are not Tom parts, which have been track tested for many more years.

Here is a link about a diff, I didn't mention the party involved the car owner did. This was 12 years ago.

Iron Differential TEST!!! | Corvette Forum : DigitalCorvettes.com Corvette Forums

This is from this very forum, 3 months ago. Interesting reading
Duntov Motors Chapter 11 Proceedings - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion

I don't know them, deal with them, have had any type of contact with them, nor am I recommending or not recommending them- just presenting what is already known from forums. Other than repairing some of their work that is. I have nothing to gain by using any of the parts discussed here- I don't sell or get commission from any place. The information posted is actual- I didn't fabricate any of this, just observed what others have written about their experiences. I am sure there are others here with direct experience dealing with them.

Reno I certainly don't wish you any ill will with your parts I hope they will perform as expected for you. You and I have worked together so we know each other.

You can use who ever you choose to buy parts, just "Choose Wisely", as the knight in the 3rd Indiana Jones movie said.

Now I will stop commenting on this thread, all has been discussed. in my opinion, the best are still Tom's outer axles and the best cost the most in most cases - as with anything.

 

Very interesting. i just read the "Iron Differential test" and i have had almost the identical problem with the same vendor. i purchased a 3.70 diff from them in 2011 also. took a while to get but after we installed it mine has had a whine ever since. it whines during steady state cruising. when you accelerate it stops and when you decelerate it stops. so went back and forth on the phone with them and i finally told them to just send me another and i'll pay for it then they can credit me when i send the other back. the guy who built it said he would just send me another at n/c and for me to send mine back when i get the new one. well not surprisingly i never got the new diff. so i have been driving it with the whine for 10 years and probably 15k - 20k miles. i have beat on it pretty good - on the street with street tires - without it blowing up yet. right now i am trying to decide if i want to send it or my original 3.36 diff in to get converted to a super 10. Gary you will probably be hearing from me at some point in the future.

 

[QUOTE=GTR1999;1604228861]

Reno I certainly don't wish you any ill will with your parts I hope they will perform as expected for you. You and I have worked together so we know each other.


Yes I have done business with you and your a stand up guy no worries. But now I'm worried about my axels. And I've already installed them. I have done business with Alan and Edwards for years with no issues. Alan is very knowledgeable and Edwards is a hell of a driver. Man don't like hearing this. Anyways I definitely wasn't saying that the 4130 axles are better then Toms just giving the OP options

 

Gary - Thanks for the additional info. I am still digesting all of that. The good news is, I really don't need to have the car put back together until April, so this will continue for a while.

 

We'll be waiting for good news....hope it works out.