Is this 8 3/4 housing bowed?

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SalC

SalC

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Got this housing from a buddy that's moving and was cleaning out his old stock. It appears to be bowed, I put a straight edge on it and confirmed thru some measurements. If so can it be straightened?

Thanks.

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You need to measure off of flange faces. place 2 exact size blocks on center flange faces with straight edge against them and measure to center or machined edges of axle flanges. A machinist square can be used off of straight edge to axle flange faces, to check if square.
Yes they can be straightened. Make sure your straight edge is truly straight.
 
You can't go by that. The only true way to know if everything is kosher is to use an axle narrowing tool. It's all about the bearing centers lining up. Those sheet metal housings twist and bow when welded from the factory. That's why the ends are welded on last.
 
Stuff some parts in it and run it. Mine appeared to be bowed the opposite way, it's still going strong.
 
The case may be bowed, but if the ends are welded on properly it won't matter. It should be checked with the right fixture, or put it together and run it. As long as the axles go in and out easy, it's probably fine.
 
One thing nobody has mentioned is that the way yours looks bent, the rear wheels will end up slightly towed in. And that can eat tires.
Today it's out. Finding out the tires are being gobbled up by the pavement later may become one of those OhChit moments.
 
it is bowed. the ends can be rewelded parallel, but if the carrier centerline is like a 1/2" rearward of the axle centerline-it is junk! think about it- you would be trying to stuff axles into a hole that is 1/2" to the rear
 
Any credible differential/driveline shop should be able to address a bowed rearend.
 
The housing could be bowed but still have concentric outer and carrier bearings. Having concentric bearings (all four) is the important part.
 
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the axle bearings could be concentric, but they will NOT be concentric with the carrier. you might be able to jam the axles in to the carrier, but they are going to wear quick! And it will have rear tires that are toe in
 
Marcohotrod said:
it is bowed. the ends can be rewelded parallel, but if the carrier centerline is like a 1/2" rearward of the axle centerline-it is junk! think about it- you would be trying to stuff axles into a hole that is 1/2" to the rear
Click to expand...

When you reweld the tube ends to the housing using the proper jig, the axle centerline will be inline with the carrier. My housing was bowed 1/4" but my chassis fabricator was able to slide the bar through the housing with out any binding.

Like he said, these housings were never straight from the factory. The welding process back then made these sheet metal housings warp due to extreme heat created from the primitive welders of the day.
 
Yes, I agree, you will need a plug kit and bare carrier housing to get your center line , or if you don't have a kit just send it in to Moser
 
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