76 Rear Axle shaft replacement

[brianlowry]

Changing out the drivers side rear axle shaft on my 76.
Ordered the replacement from Tom’s but after pulling the original I’ve noticed the new one is missing the mounting plate on the stud size of the shaft.
Did I just sent get the incorrect one? (See picture) it doesn’t appear that the bracket can be moved without unpressing /repressing the bearing, right?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zYyVBo2mhqKu2L3JA

Thanks in advance
Brian

 

[Oldtimer]

Don't know the part number or source, but I would go with this retainer plate before I cut the retainer ring, pressed it & bearing off, and pressed bearing & new retainer ring on.

Here is link: https://shop.broncograveyard.com/Ford-9-Axle-Shaft-Parts/products/1568/
TOM'S also sells them, and you have their axle, so I would contact them.

 

[Yeller]

Lots of sources for the retaining plate, Amazon, Speedway, Summit, ect. As stated for the cost of replacements it’s not worth the effort and you still have to replace the bearing retainer ring, that is if, you get the bearing off without damaging it.

There are several different ones, you’ll need to know the dimensions of the bolt pattern and bolt size.
Summit Options

 

[brianlowry]

Thanks, I wasn’t planning on removing the bearing. The shaft I purchased was supposed to be complete including the retaining plate.
At least I know I have options, thanks!

 

[DirtDonk]

I would give them a call. Probably an oversight I would think, as any axle with a bearing installed without a standard retaining plate would require that you have the open ended type to complete the install.

And you are aware that this axle is completely different from your existing one. Correct?
The fact that it has a tapered roller bearing on it means that even the retainer is slightly different and you do not reuse an inner seal.
Because the bearing itself is lubricated by the available gear lube, instead of being sealed with grease like the original one was.
So you will have two different types in use and will not be able to simply source a standard 76 wheel bearing for that side in the future.

And are you sure that it’s a standard replacement 28 spline axle? Maybe double check and count the splines just to be sure it’s not a 31.

 

[brianlowry]

Thanks Paul, I did triple check and that is a 28 spline axle.
They neglected to send the open ended retaining plate, I did ask about the difference in the axle and they stated this is the standard one they use now with that tapered bearing.

Good to know about the difference in the wheel bearings.