so I finally got under my car for a look around, and I noticed that the yoke is wet.
Its the yoke on my diff, on a 68 Dodge coronet that was originally a 318/904 car. (still is)

Its the only thing wet in the whole area, so that tells me its probably a seal or something.
I'm thinking it's likely the seal shown here, at the tranny side of this exploded pumpkin. .



Looking at the manual for install instructions. . . Anything updated I should know? DO you think this could be the problem?

_______

Wow, I edited the pic, it looked fine on my phone, but I didnt realize how stupid it looked here LOL

Heres a smaller version. . .

 

What yoke, on what vehicle, am I looking at?

 

Too big of a fuzzy picture. Try for a smaller one tomorrow when it's light outside. I can't tell a thing from the photo you took tonight.

 

Sorry yall. Ill grab a better pic when I can. Its the diff yoke on a 68 coronet 500, the yoke itself is all greasy. Everything else around it is dry so gut tells me a seal is leaking. I just need to know if I have to really dig in there or is it something I can fix with the diff on the car like I said I don't have my manual with me where is soon as I do I will look it up there as well.

Its just weird, the yoke is the only thing wet, and completely soaked.

 

Also, pretty sure its the 8 3/4 rear end, but my dumb head didnt remember to check for a sealed rear end.it was originally a 318 / 904 car.

 

updated the OG post.

 

Alot better picture thanks. The is your pinion seal leaking. And if it was out of a 318/904 car then it's probably a 7 1/4" rear.

 

I don't think mine has the bolts showing on the rear cover, but like I said I forgot to look. . . . I'll take another look probably tonight or this weekend.

How crazy a job is it to replace?

Should I look into a better rear end if it is a 7 1/4 ?

 

How crazy a job is it to replace? It's not an easy job. I would find you a driveline shop in your area and let them do it.

Should I look into a better rear end if it is a 7 1/4 ? I would.

 

I just called my buddy' shop and they say 8 or 900- bucks to rebuild, depending what it needs. Wow. What kind of gears should I ask for if I were to spend some money here?

it'll be mainly a weekend driver, mildly upgraded transmission

(904 STREET/STRIP: DEEP PAN, GOOD CLUTCHES, 5.0 LEVER, SHIFT KIT $599)

650 holley carb, holley intake, flowtech headers, and some mild work done to the heads.

Whats a good gearing in the rear end for that, ya think ?

 

800 or 900 for the rear end? If so he's not your buddy. Buy the bearings the crushless crush sleeve and seals for 150 bucks and 300 bucks to set it up.

323 or 355 gears. Make sure it's not a 7 1/4" rear first. Myself would'nt waste any money on it.

 

yep, thats for the whole new gear set, rebuild, etc.

Good, I thought it sounded like a lot. Hes not the owner, he just works there. terrible!

well, cool, Ill take a look. If it is a 7 1/4, what all would I need to change over to go to the better rear?

What should I look into ?

thanks again for all the info. I swear I'll pass it on if ever anybody needs it.

 

I will have to eat a small crow. I went back and re-read your first post and you said out of a 68 Coronet. I am 99.999% sure that it is an 8 3/4"

 

It is. Its sealed./Pretty sure.

So, how much am I looking at to get something decent?

Junkyard parts?

I have a nice pick a part here in LA, might even find some old memory lane yards if Im lucky. or do I have to spring for a 1500 dollar rear end?

 

answered my own question by re reading this same thread.

D'oh!

 

If it's an 8 3/4", you could pull the axles yourself and take the 3rd member (pumpkin) to who ever is going to do the work. May save you a couple of dollars. While you have the axles out, have new bearings pressed on and install new seals. Fill it full of new gear oil and you should be in good shape!

 

It was recommended that I go see South Bay Trucks by LAX. . . . Called and spoke with the owner. If I take the axles off and bring in third member, $500 out the door, with all parts and labor.

Sounds better to me, to rebuild my original diff, than to start changing stuff out that I don't need to. Its lasted 44 years, so I think I'll keep it.

Thanks guys !

 

Watch out it is very heavy. I made a cradle for my floor jack and I ratchet strapped it to it.

 

good idea.