I've got a question about my '70 TM code rear. It's been sitting in my garage for over 20 years and I don't remember it making any noise or having any problems before I put a '68 TO rear in. 3.91 gears are fun but make driving any distance at highway speeds not so pleasant, so it's time to put the TM with 3.42 back in.

I have weak clutches in the TM so I decided to tear the rear down to replace them (thanks Monzaz for the clutches). I also noticed the carrier bearings need to be replaced due to "divots" on the races and chunks missing on a couple of individual bearings, so I'll take care of that as well. Now the question; the axle bearing races can be moved in and out within the tube rather easily (not what I expected) I assumed an interference type fit for the races. I can't actually slide the races out of the tube by hand but they move from the inboard "stop or ledge" to near the end of the tube. Is this normal? I suppose once the backing plate is bolted in it holds the race in place. I've attached a picture from a post on the site a few years ago that shows a typical '70 axle with the seal and tapered bearing installed for reference.

Thanks,
Scott

 

The race is a light slip fit. You will need to get a 90 degree item and hook the back side of that race N S W E until you get it out. tap tap tap tap across from each other it will slowing walk out of the housing tube end.
JIM
JD

 

If your bearings on the carrier are pitted...CHANGE them all.
Jim
JD

 

Jim,

Thanks for responding. I wasn't sure about the axle race but feel better now. I'd already decided to do the carrier and pinion bearings. I'll go ahead and do the axles as well.

Thanks,
Scott