axle bearings

[olds1968]

my axle bearing broke and i need to find a new one, but i cant seem to find it anywhere can somebody help me find them?
(type o,2.78 gear)

[Oldsmaniac]

I would try NAPA or a parts store that sells to shops not an Autozone and the like....I assume you are needing an outer axle bearing....they are pressed on with a retaining ring.

[olds1968]

ok i found the bearing and seal took it to my mechanic and when he took the old retainer and bearing off we found the axle shaft had a deep groove so the axle is no good. do you guys know where i can get a new inexpensive axle.the lowest i found was $183 at opg.

[Oldsmaniac]

I am surprised you can get a brand new axle....you could look for a junkyard one and most likely years from 68 to 1970 Cutlass would be the same with a 12 bolt rear cover.

[olds1968]

i was thinking about that but i rather just get a new axle now that i found one. the last 68-70 cutlass i saw in the junkyard was half a year ago and havnt seen one since.

[Run to Rund]

1968 used 31 splines and 69-70 used 28 spline axles in the Type O. I suggest getting a set of Mosers, strong & NHRA approved, about $300 from www.quickperformance.com (515-232-0126). The price isn't bad compared to the cost of a weaker stock axle, and you will be protecting your quarter panels. You can upgrade to 1/2" diameter studs (actually bolts that thread into the axles) and still use your current wheels, just new lug nuts.

[Oldsmaniac]

Thanks for the info on the splines.

[monzaz]

MOre info before you spend your hard earned dollars... Olds and all 8.2 rears and early and late style axle shafts. They are all bolt in and have the same retaining plates.

Differences:

Early axles : 1965-1968 mid year
-these axles have sealed bearings and inner axle tube seals...meaning the seal is in the axle tube housing and the axle shaft land (shoulder)where the bearing seats when pressed on is 1/2" cut deeper down the shaft.

Late 1968 mid -1972
-these axles have internally oiled bearings and a external seal that is installed on the axle shaft before the bearing is pressed on. (making it a pain if the seal goes but the bearing is fine) Since the seal is external this is the reason the bearing shoulder land is 1/2" less cut up the shaft.

So what does this mean? IT MEANS YOU CAN NOT INTERCHANGE THE AXLE SHAFTS NO NO NO. When you buy after market axle shafts YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO KNOW THIS INFO...

I do have good used axle shafts and even new axle shafts instock if you would like to ask me first about what i have I could save you money and if i do not have the item you need at least you will be armed with the CORRECT axle info you need to order yourself the correct item from me . This is all we do GM muscle car diffs. I am familiar with all the ins and out or the ODD bop and chevy 10 bolt stuff . I wish you the best with your axle delema and am here to help , just ask or PM I will get started.

Jim Mitschke
J D Race.com