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I need to replace both axles. The engine is removed and ill prob remove trans as well to clean/ paint frame firewall fwd. can axles be removed at that time without removing the spindles?
I'm not 100% sure, but I think with engine, transmission and differential removed, you should be able to easily remove drive axles after removing the lock nut on the hub. When replacing the trans/diff, you must be careful to coordinate fitment of inner CV joint back-plate with the flanges of the final drive - you almost need someone under the car at the same time you're dropping things into place. Obviously, you want the car secured well on jack stands.
Thank you. Its worth a shot to avoid separating sll the steering joints. Would you know if the current aftermarket (napa,rock auto etc) 67up axles will work on a 66?
There were changes in the axles mid-1967. I've done my best to try to figure out what is compatible with what per my Olds parts books, and I can't figure it out - maybe Joe P. will chime in with his considerable knowledge. I guess do your due diligence and try to verify with a supplier before ordering. Personally, I would not order from Rock Auto as I had bad experience recently with unsatisfactory results with some defective parts - I had to pay to return and was sent more of the same, and refund was not possible.
The engineering drawing revisions that changed to the second design axles are dated 9/20/66. While the drawings in the PIM aren't conclusive, the difference APPEARS to be in the inboard CV joint at the differential. Steering knuckles are the same P/N for 1966 and 67. Hubs are the same P/N for 66 and 67. The final drive assembly does have different P/Ns for the 1966/67 first design and the 67 second design. The parts book implies that this is due to the shape of the CV joint, so apparently that flange is different.
I've done quite a bit of research on this and haven't conclusively determined the answer for myself. I just can't seem to find any official documentation that breaks down the differences in the half shafts. However, I came across the following statement from a fellow who documented his 1968 Toronado disc brake conversion which originally came with front drum brakes (front drums were available on the 68'):
"The 1966 axle half-shafts were a one-year-only design that was changed beginning with the 1967 Toronado then remained the same until the end of Generation Two. There are several design differences, the major one being the larger hub diameter of the 1966 half-shafts. That’s the part that bolts to the final drive.
Remanufactured 1966 half-shafts are not available. Owners of 1966 Toronados have a few options. If serviceable, they can be rebuilt. Or 1967-1978 half-shafts can be purchased from either a salvage yard or a remanufactured parts retailer. If 1966 Toronado owners are unable to utilize their 1966 half-shafts, then there is an additional incompatibility issue. Thankfully this one has been satisfactorily resolved.
1967-1978 half-shafts are incompatible with 1966 Toronados unless special adapter rings are installed. Dick Taschenberg of RT Engineering sells custom-manufactured adapter rings that are positioned between each side of the 1966 Toronado’s final drive and the hubs of the 1967-1978 half-shafts, which are otherwise too small. The 1967-1987 half-shafts will also require longer final drive attach bolts due to their thicker flange. None of these are needed if your car is 1967 or later. RT Engineering does not have a website (yet), but a catalog can be obtained directly from Mr. Taschenberg:
I have conclusive proof from the parts book. The axle flanges on the differential are different part numbers for the first design and second design half shafts. The axle half-shafts do not interchange from first design to second design, at least not without changing the flanges on the differential to match.
I have conclusive proof from the parts book. The axle flanges on the differential are different part numbers for the first design and second design half shafts. The axle half-shafts do not interchange from first design to second design, at least not without changing the flanges on the differential to match.
Yeah, the thing about the parts book though is it mentions a "conversion package" which was available to make 67's work on 66's. I couldn't get to the bottom of that.
I have conclusive proof from the parts book. The axle flanges on the differential are different part numbers for the first design and second design half shafts. The axle half-shafts do not interchange from first design to second design, at least not without changing the flanges on the differential to match.
Yeah, the thing about the parts book though is it mentions a "conversion package" which was available to make 67's work on 66's. I couldn't get to the bottom of that.
The Sept 1968 edition of the parts book doesn't even talk about that. It simply lists the inner shaft for 66-67 1st design (with round CV joint) and 67 2nd design (with triangular).
The Sept 1968 edition of the parts book doesn't even talk about that. It simply lists the inner shaft for 66-67 1st design (with round CV joint) and 67 2nd design (with triangular).
Yeah, I have no idea what they're talking about there. Who knows right? There's quite a bit of stuff on these cars that seems to go this way and you just fuddle through it. I have a lot of respect for the old school parts guys who had to deal with this stuff back in the day.
I noticed that Justin, on Youtube (his channel is Junkyard Justin) replaced his drivers side CV axle on his 1966 with one from Autozone, Duralast brand. I asked him about it privately and he used PN B8404N. His passenger side one appears to be an original 1966 1st design so there should be no "conversion pkg" on it. Is it right? No idea, but he said it bolted right in.
So to the op, check into Duralast's B8404N. Not available up here in Canada but you guys in the US have more options.
Last edited by ourkid2000; Oct 31, 2023 at 07:13 PM.
And then I checked out this eBay listing, and it says their drive axles are compatible with all Olds and Caddy FWD cars, 1966 to 1978?????????????? eBay item number:296022793336
And then I checked out this eBay listing, and it says their drive axles are compatible with all Olds and Caddy FWD cars, 1966 to 1978?????????????? eBay item number:296022793336
You mean that ebay ad listings aren't always 100% correct? I'm shocked, SHOCKED I tell you.
So experts plz chime in. Trans is out. Found this. Is the 2 large cupped disks a conversion for 67 up axles?? Neither axle has the torsion damper in them. If its what i think i should be able order repop axles?
Just wondering how you made out with this? Those "appear" to be '67 style axles but who knows.
i havent gotten to the point where im ready to re install axles. Trans is out, engine is on a stand going back together and car is at a friend's shop for body work. Another concern is if outer joint will clear the lower ball joint nut. PO ground them off for clearance!
i havent gotten to the point where im ready to re install axles. Trans is out, engine is on a stand going back together and car is at a friend's shop for body work. Another concern is if outer joint will clear the lower ball joint nut. PO ground them off for clearance!
Yikes, I guess that control arm is toast! I recently did the lower ball joints on my '66 and I noticed that the clearance between the outer axle joint and the new ball joint stud/nut is crazy close. I took a grinder to the nut as well. The engineering of this area of the car is terrible if you ask me.
