C1 Rear Axle Bearings

[Bill B.]

I have a 58 which had a passenger series nonposi banjo and carrier. I removed it. I bought a 57 corvette posi banjo (case only) which I understand was the same as the 58 unit. I know that the passenger bearing retainers (very deep) will not transfer but I think I have found a set for the 57 banjo (very shallow). I measured my existing axles a while back and I think they are the same as corvette nonposi axles for length. Are the corvette posi axles different? Anyone know what issues I really have to deal with to make my change correctly and safely. Also, I was told that I could use rear ball bearings versus the posi roller bearings--sunday driver. This is driving me crazzzzzzy and I need help on this!

[Allen W.]

Re: C1 Rear Axle Bearings

I am at work so I don't have access to my books but I believe the Chevy by Numbers seris of books have the axle information you would need to answer your questions. Do you have access to that book?
Allen

[Bill B.]

Re: C1 Rear Axle Bearings

Allen, unfortunately I have four of these cars (58/72/84/90) and shelves of books but not the one you mentioned. I think the two axles I have from the passenger series I removed are the same lengths as corvette axles for nonposi units. But I don't remember how I came to that conclusion a year ago. If so, I can always put the nonposi carrier in my "correct" corvette banjo and use these axles and ball bearings? Probably an acceptable driver solution and not very expensive. However, if I install a posi carrier, do I have to change axles (length issue or something else?) and can I use proper sized ball bearings versus roller. I suspect a set of roller bearings for the posi setup is probably out of my price range if found. I have spent over a year looking for "corvette" sized bearing retainers--very, very hard to find. And, I think I can finally get my hands on some? The corvette retainers should be identical for a posi or nonposi setup as I see it. Any of this make sense?

[Allen W.]

Re: C1 Rear Axle Bearings

I'll go home at lunch and look at my book and get back to you.
Allen

[Terry D.]

Re: C1 Rear Axle Bearings

Bill
Axle lengths are as follows
Corvette 1957-58
RH Open: 30-1/16
RH Posi: 30-5/16
LH Open: 28-9/16
LH Posi 28-13/16
1958 passenger are the samebut 57 passenger LH posi is different LH Posi: 28-11/16
Hope this helps
Terry

[Bill B.]

Thanks for help-To the Garage *NM*

[Allen W.]

Re: C1 Rear Axle Bearings

I was just going to post the same imformation. My info was going to come from Chevrolet by the Numbers by Alan Colvin.
Allen

[Bill B.]

Re: C1 Rear Axle Bearings

Allen, just knowing that you cared enough to take the time to get me the info means alot. Thanks to you too.