Leroy the EK Ute

[Errol62]

Mate I would think the diff gears original. They go forever behind a grey. You are remarkably thorough and patient.


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[ardiesse]

Joe,

When Holden changed rear wheel bearings from the FJ-FC type to the FB-HG type, some bright spark engineer said, "hey, let's lubricate the rear wheel bearings with the diff oil." So they deleted the rear axle oil seal pressed into the rear axle housing, shortened the sealing surface just inboard of the rear wheel bearing, and put in that funny rubber seal that goes inside the rear brake anchor plate. It was a bit of a dog's breakfast, and only lasted for the FB and EK models.

Needless to say, the rear axle oil seal was re-instated for EJ onwards, and the rear wheel bearing was now lubricated by good old grease.

Replacement rear wheel bearings are now fully sealed. But getting the rubber seal properly located inside the anchor plate is a royal pain in the arse, especially when you're wrangling the half-shaft, the two "C" plates, the brake backing plate, the anchor plate, and the axle shaft retainer plate into place all at once. You're best off getting some 3/8" dia round rod and making up some guide pins like the shop manual suggests.

Or you could just say, "Bugger it", and install a complete HR rear axle.

Rob

[thebrotherj]

Joe,

Or you could just say, "Bugger it", and install a complete HR rear axle.

Rob

This is looking very appealing right now...


So an HR diff tube will bolt straight in? Same width and spring mount points as EK?

I trust I then need HR axles as well, or can I run the EK axles with new type bearings and seal?

Thanks in advance... Joe


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[Errol62]

Bolt up. HR axles. Different brakes. Different rims. Brake hose to housing and buddy tubes swap over from FB EK. HD HR rims fit FE EH but not the other way. The brakes are still compatible with stock fronts proportioning wise but I’m not keen on mis matching front and rear. You will have to change handbrake cables as well but ones to suit are available.


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[thebrotherj]

Bolt up. HR axles. Different brakes. Different rims. Brake hose to housing and buddy tubes swap over from FB EK. HD HR rims fit FE EH but not the other way. The brakes are still compatible with stock fronts proportioning wise but I’m not keen on mis matching front and rear. You will have to change handbrake cables as well but ones to suit are available.

Great, thank you very much for this.
I figured it all hinges on whether or not my existing EK drum assembly would simply bolt up to the end of the HR diff housing, this clearly is not the case. I've got a little more homework to do, just need to make some decisions.

Leaning toward keeping it stock, maybe with the assistance of some valium before I attempt re-assembly...

[thebrotherj]

Scuff plates look cool.

Those axle bearings don't like coming off. The last set I got done at a diff shop in Smithfield... the force required startled the technician.

I've pressed a bunch on and off later model axles and never reeeeally struggled too badly. Can definitely imagine the kind of shock a tight one would give... Alas, I'm not a mechanic anymore and have no press handy. I was thinking I'd have the pinion seal replaced and the lash set professionally also, but the last time I did that (back in the 90s with a mob in Hornsby who shall remain nameless, except that I pretty much just named them it cost me a pretty penny!

My bro works in Smithfield... I think I know the shop you mean. You'd recommend them then Harv?

[EK283]

Joe,

Craft differentials in Granville, Peel street do have all the gear for this type of work and it just off the freeway near Parramatta.

I had all my modifications to diffs done there and am happy with the work.

Regards Greg

[Errol62]

Never had to play with the FB EK wheel bearings funnily and I wasn’t aware of the oiling set up. Still learning.

The stock brakes do the job well enough, especially with an in line booster, vh40 or 44, never remember which is for drums. The wheel cylinders may be dearer but mine just need cups which I got for $3 each. $88 per axle was quoted to re-bond my shoes with none available off the shelf. I believe the EJ EH drums can be used if you can’t source originals.


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[Harv]

My bro works in Smithfield... I think I know the shop you mean. You'd recommend them then Harv?

I used Smithfield Diff & Gearbox Specialists, in Market Street. Place reeks of diff oil, and no late model crap parked out the front... must be a good thing . Not sure if they can set up a banjo properly, but they were pretty good at pressing out bearings at short notice.

Since using them, I've modified my SuperCheap press to have a longer throat. I can now get axles into it, though not sure yet if the 9-tonne jack that drives it will do the job (suspect not). Wouldn't be the first time I've bent the press plates .

Cheers,
Harv

[thebrotherj]

Joe,

Craft differentials in Granville, Peel street do have all the gear for this type of work and it just off the freeway near Parramatta.

I had all my modifications to diffs done there and am happy with the work.

Regards Greg

Nice one, thank you very much for this


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[thebrotherj]

No real news from me, but here’s a pic that will give you some idea of just how wobbly the rear springs are - the lateral & twisting movement on the flogged-out bushes is the worst I’ve seen... and the shackles/pins are ground down from metal on metal contact:



Spent an hour or two last night with scraper, degreaser, scotchbrite pad, more degreaser... a blast with the Gerni, then finally some wire brushing... and voila! One diff housing.



A closer inspection of the diff centre uncovered a sight familiar from my youth: Two teeth of one spider gear broken. But unlike my P-plate-era efforts, there’s just enough left behind to stay engaged. I’ll see what the diff shop has in the way of spares lying around, otherwise the hunt is on.



Next up, welding up some rust holes in the rear wheel arches where three panels come together and trapped water on both sides. Photos to follow that will explain better.

Cheers, Joe


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[EK283]

Joe,

I have a full diff out of a sedan and maybe some brake drums if you want it, out of one of my wrecks yours if you need it.

Regards Greg

[Harv]

A closer inspection of the diff centre uncovered a sight familiar from my youth: Two teeth of one spider gear broken. But unlike my P-plate-era efforts, there’s just enough left behind to stay engaged. I’ll see what the diff shop has in the way of spares lying around, otherwise the hunt is on.

Looks like a valid candidate for a CIG locker .

Cheers,
Harv

[thebrotherj]

A closer inspection of the diff centre uncovered a sight familiar from my youth: Two teeth of one spider gear broken. But unlike my P-plate-era efforts, there’s just enough left behind to stay engaged. I’ll see what the diff shop has in the way of spares lying around, otherwise the hunt is on.

Looks like a valid candidate for a CIG locker .

Cheers,
Harv

I'll give you 138 anemic reasons why I'm not going to do that!!...

[Harv]

I'll give you 138 anemic reasons why I'm not going to do that!!...

But a locker sounds so cool going around roundabouts (chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp) .

Cheers,
Harv