Rearend Differential Rebuild, 1967

[Craig Shepherd]

I am in the middle of a frame off restoration on my 67 convertible. The car has been in the family since 1972 and has about 55,000 miles on it. There appears to be a small fluid leak from the seals. Visually the internal gears look fine. I'm stressing over the question of sending out the rear to have rebuilt or not sending it out and just cleaning up the case and replacing the seals. I'm concerned with keeping the car original and the quality of work on a rebuild if needed. I have not disassembled a differential before and I'm not sure how difficult it is to only replace the seals. Please let me know your opinion on a complete rebuild vs a clean up and replace the seals. Also, how to tell if it needs to be rebuilt in the first place

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: Rearend Differential Rebuild, 1967

Which seals, the side yoke seals, or the front pinion seal?

[Tom Merkel]

Re: Rearend Differential Rebuild, 1967

Craig - Rebuild it. You have easy access to it now. You didn't mention the posi clutches, which should be done, too. I rebuilt my '67 posi when forced to as the clutches were clanging and banging, making it undrivable.

Parts and labor (retired GM mech) came to about $300. Cheap, especially since you're into a frame-off.

Tom