Posted by Eric B. [99.100.188.129] on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 00:48:40 :
In Reply to: Re: Big set back on the '59 W200 posted by Tim Holloway [69.54.28.229] on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 23:12:17 :
Which doesn't seem like a big deal, but the spring perch on the gear housing has holes for the studs that hold the spring in place. Those stud holes are too narrow on a 1958 axle to allow the 1959 spring to fit. That could most likely be modified, but I'd check carefully before pulling an axle and shipping it anywhere.
As for the 1961 and up closed knuckle dana 44, I've never checked the fit. I'd again worry about the spring perch on the pumpkin. The other perch can be moved, but that one can't. I've heard of people pulling the ball out of a 1961-71 axle and having it installed on a 1957-60 axle tube, so the later axle might not fit. If that is the case find a good hot rod shop or maybe big truck shop and bring them a good end off a 61-71 axle or any other closed knuckle Dana 44 3000lb axle. A good shop should be able to put a new ball on the original tube, but you may have to do some fast talking to get them to do it.
Eric
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