I'm trying. I was going to attempt to install my own new gear set (3.54's to 3.73's), but it would have been my first time doing it, and it is a Dana 60 to boot.. I chickened out at the last minute and brought the whole cleaned and drained rear end over to Mike at Rear End Specialties in Santa Clara, California. I had recently (5000 miles) had them go through the whole rear-end, installing new bearings and races, clutches and steels, they but reused the circa 1968 gears because they were beautiful. (yes, its a '68 b-body rear end for my e-body) I'm using Dr Diffs inset hanger kit with two driver's side 3200 lbs Supper stock Springs and no, the rear hanger doesn't his my valence. This springs are the perfect spring rate for a big block e-body, and I have tried at least a half a dozen "recommended" combinations. They never were satisfactory, but after listening to Dr Diff once again, my car now rides smooth, handles good and launches fiercely. Did I mention it rides better than most modern cars I've ridden in.
McLeod is officially in possession of my complete Street Twin and is going to fully rebuild it. I has some oil contamination on it and it STILL was hooking up.
I'm starting to suspect that the oil is coming from the pilot hole drilled in the back of the crank. I run one of those rollerized bearings, so I may use one of those old school fixes to get the weeping oil to stop. clean the hole out with carb cleaner, heat it a bit with one of those pizo torches to burn back any oil on its way out and clean it again, fill the depths of it with JB Weld and cap it with a Dorman plug, well short of the roller pilot bearing.
I'll also be checking every square inch of the rear of the motor for any other source of oil, although I had always assumed it was gear oil that was seeping from the original trans. In fact I know it was, but I am starting to suspect it may have had some small seepage out the pilot hole. I did some Google research and found out it does happen on occasion.
I may have to shorten the input shaft of the Passon 5-speed, (cringe) but I had to do that on my original trans many years ago because it hit inside there. The hole in the previous motors crank was not deep enough, or the scattershield installed depth was off. Replacement parts will be available if they are not already to restore it to it's prior uncut status should the need arise.
As soon as the clutch returns, Which will likely be next week. I will install the clutch, scattershield and stuff that beautiful 5 speed in its new home. Of course I have to break in the new rear-end gears and the Passon with mostly around town mileage. That could take a while. as its recommended to break the transmission in for one mile for every foot pound of torque you have with normal light street throttle.
Ok, I'm off to pick-up my rear end and get the paint touched up real nice under the back of the car.
How else could motor oil get into that location if it's not leaking there?
