Turbo 400 Rear Seal

[CC Rider]

On the way home from Pavilions, the tail shaft seal fell out of the rear transmission housing. When I removed the drive shaft, the seal was in the collar.

There does not seem to be excessive play in the rear shaft when the drive shaft is still in the trans, but the front u-joint made noise. When the drive shaft was on the floor, I noticed the front joint is very loose.

I took a few pics. Am I missing something?

[CC Rider]

Another housing shot

[CC Rider]

Is this the speedometer gear housing? This is my first Turbo 400.

[Postsedan]

With the driveshaft back in and mounted and the car resting on the ground, what is your measurement of the slip yoke? General rule of thumb is a two finger measurement. If it's any closer it would be considered too tight and the driveshaft should be shortened.

Dan

[earntaz]

The discoloration on that yoke indicates it may have gotten a bit warm? Also the speedometer adapter is common -- used to correct speedometer reading.

I agree with Dan -- if there is not enough front to rear clearance, the drive shaft will bottom out and raise hell with trans ... TAZ

[SS427]

The front yoke is likely toast as is the tail shaft bushing. The U-joints look like they are maybe original. Look to see if there is no zirc fitting (seems to me that original Impala u-joints did not have zircs). If not then they are likely originals and should be replaced with the inner lock ring and zirc style.

[m22mike]

Rick
As mentioned by Rick, make sure you install a new tail shaft bushing (actually a plain bearing). There often sold in kit form, check local auto parts . This picture I swiped from ebay just now.

Mike

[CC Rider]

Finding a slip yoke will probably be easier said then done. It's a 32 spline piece with a damper.

[SS427]

You can also just buy a sleeve for the front yoke and install that on the yoke you already have.

[CC Rider]

Think I got lucky!

[CC Rider]

Can you see the bushing?

[earntaz]

Rick -- there appears to be some galling in the second photo ... if it were mine, I would pull the tail housing an put in a new bushing ... just sayin' ... Craig

[CC Rider]

Yup, the bearing was bad.

So I decided I would at least try to support a transmission shop that advertises in a local cruising newspaper. However, when the guy said the bushing is discontinued and my housing would have to go to a machine shop, or I could bring the replacement parts with me, I decided to call elsewhere. Found a trans shop that has everything needed in stock, has a press, and is closer to home.