I have had an annoying vibration from the rear of my 71 Cutlass since forever. I ran up the back wheels last night on axle stands and you can certainly see wheel run out of the SS111s, as the all seem to have. I saw this recently when they were rebalanced. However, to add to the runout, I ran the car up without wheels and drums and with a dial indicator, the axle flange on the right side has a .026" runout, while the drivers side is only .006". Does this seem excessive and would it be enough to cause vibration?
I was looking for replacement axles and I find the descriptions from Yukon to be lacking in accuracy for 8.5 corporate 28 spline axles. I can't determine the correct part number. Seems everything has C clips or they call them 8.2s. I can't even find anything from Moser. These are such popular read ends I can't understand the lack of clarity.
Can anyone supply the correct part number for the corporate 71 72 rear end axle if I end up going that route? I also may have to purchase new wheels. Getting tired of highway shimmies.
Thanks

 

Purchased my new axles from www.supercarsunlimted.com
They worked great. They can also advise you on your application and issues.
I'm sure you can get the same somewhere else but the other vendors wont know the Oldsmobile drive train like Super Cars does IMO.

 

Is it possible the axle bearing is bad?

 

Funny you should mention Supercars, after reading your comment, I received my first order from them this afternoon. I looked on their website and they don't list any axles for the 71 8.5 10 bolt. They seem to specialize in the Olds rear ends up to 70. Thanks for replying.

 

Hey Brian

does the vibration get worse at higher speeds??
have you checked driveshaft for balance and being straight?



all the best
brian

 

I dont know, but I don't hear any noise.

 

Usually if the bearing is bad, it will generate more friction, thus more heat. An easy way to tell is to check the temperature of both sides after driving it. If one side is hotter, suspect a bad bearing.

 

You have to look at the age of these parts too. 50 years of driving... Just buy new axles

I have them here for 125.00 each BARE
We can make them bolt in ready if you like also.

Jim
JD Race

 

Thanks Jim. So it would seem with no one offering makes of axles or part numbers, there are no companies making bolt in ready 28 spline axles for 71 and 72 A bodies with the 8.5 corporate rear end. Kind of surprising, I thought they would be more popular.
As I'm in Canada, shipping an axle would be expensive. However, its good to know there is an option. Thanks

 

I think "bolt in ready" means the bearings and seals are already pressed onto the shafts.

 

I was chatting with a friend of mine who owns three 72 Cutlasses and mentioned my axle issue and he says he has one from a low mileage 72 Cutlass that he will give me, so I'm I luck. Great to have Olds buddies. Thanks for the responses.

 

i THINK MOST PEOPLE JUST DO NOT UNDERSTAND THERE IS A life TO PARTS. yOU CAN NOT EXPECT A PART TO DRIVE FOR 50 YEARS ...ESPECIALLY IN a muscle car to just keep going trouble free. So to all - you need to prepare when you have an older car to spend money on wear parts. (meaning anything that spins with the drive line. Bearings axles brakes transmissions engines ...Sorry for the caps that was a fat finger goof. Sorry. Jim
JD