Is this as bad as at looks?

[Speedrdr]

Finally got wiring sorted out and have the ‘77 at home. Now the fun (?) begins. Was underneath the back end removing brake lines and THIS grabbed my attention. I realize there are multiple bolts holding this cover (not sure of the technical name) on at the rear differential, but is it a structural problem or just a continuous leak issue? Thanks.

Randy

 

[svastano]

I would say not good. Might throw off the setup from the pinion to the ring gear. I would replace.

 

[DirtDonk]

Any chance a big washer could be a "fix" at least for awhile?

paul

 

[Yeller]

That in its self shouldn’t leak. It doesn’t seal on that surface. The bigger question is what happened to cause that, it’s not normal wear and tear. If it is just slightly seeping I wouldn’t worry too much until you are ready to tear into it further. With it leaking I’m betting the housing is cracked as well and will need replacing along with the pinion suport.

That broken piece is the pinion suport. All of those parts are readily available from most of our bronco vendors and companies like Speedway and Summit. Replacing them does involve a complete tear down and reassemble of the 3rd member.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Actually, not that big of a deal. By no means would I go through and rebuild and keep that. But that little corner looks like it broke off bounding off a rock off-road. The O-ring seal for the bearing support is deep in there, should still be sealing just fine. The pinion depth shims are not affected. The bolt head still holds the meat of the pinion support in place.

End result, let sleeping dog lie. There isn't anything messing with the gear setup or leak that is an issue. There is still plenty of strength there for normal use. Considering how much power a 9" can be built up and the pinion support bolts are still the same, one bolt being slightly compromised means nothing.

Ignore it. Go on with life. In a few more decades when it is time for a rebuild, pick up a different pinion support and use it.

 

[Rustytruck]

I personally wouldn't worry about it, if I was worries I would bolt a pinion Guard over it.

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[Madgyver]

run it hard if it doesn't leak. i wouldn't worry about it until you need to.

 

[Speedrdr]

Well, as I have zero idea how hard one of previous owners MAY have abused it off road ( we don’t really have a ton of rock crawling in Mississippi) I know how I hard I worked a previous EB…and this one is running about 450 HP. I’m probably gonna have to do a gearing change in the near future once I figure out what I actually have. All the info I have says .350 open differentials. I’m relieved that y’all don’t think it’s going to puke the pinion gear first time I dump the clutch. Lol. At least that’s what I’m going to run with for now. Thanks for the “learning” here.

Randy