Rear Differential - 57' Hudson

SkyDad

...and my Tuesday findings continue...all part of the process of restoration.

While replacing the rear drum seals on my 57 Hornet, I needed to remove the Differential. Attached are the pics of what we saw. The mechanic is advising me that we could clean up the ring, and spider gears but that they are showing some pitting in the metal and should therefore be replaced (or they are likely to make an awful noise while driving). Any experts out there who could offer some advice on this situation? I don't know of anywhere these parts would be located if they needed to be replaced, but I am still not certain they even need replacing??

Open to any help or guidance. Thanks again,

Mike

Nevada Hudson

Never heard of the noise factor. Won't the pits go away once it is driven awhile? Not an expert on that.

Another parts source is blaserauto.com which is a large Nash, Hudson(AMC) and Rambler parts supplier.

SkyDad

Thanks Nevada. Honestly, no clue if the pitting works itself out with driving, but that would sure be ideal. Thanks for the additional parts source. I will check it out.

Lee ODell

Mike

It does not look good. Yes it will make noise and will get louder as the rust and metal mix with the oil and act as an abrasive between the ring & pinion teeth and spider gear teeth and migrate to the axle bearings to do them in as well. Good chance the wheel bearing are in similar condition already.

Take the mechanics advice. Get it rebuilt. Or get another rear end with good gears. The Dana rear ends are common in later Chevy, Ford, Dodge as well as Hudson, Nash, AMC. cars and in pickups. Should not be a problem getting the parts. You can even change the gear ratio to highway gears if you like cruising along with todays traffic.

Lee O'Dell

SkyDad

Ugh. Thank you, Lee. I'm not sure what I would be looking at for price to have the Diff rebuilt, but I assume they will require new gear parts to rebuild either way, so probably best to just replace new, or find another rear end? Any advice or recommendations for best experiences with this issue is appreciated. This has been one expensive day! Ouch. Lol.

Nevada Hudson

I would  run it first to see what happens, then replace it if defective. Nothing to lose! 

SkyDad

I got the same advice from Charlie Nau after forwarding him some additional pics. He said it didn't look all that bad to him (but up close is obviously different than a picture) and as long as everything was tight, cleaned and lubricated, it could very well work just fine. I will try the elbow grease method first since I have plenty of outstanding dollars in other parts being rebuilt. Thanks again!

Lee ODell

Check around where you find off-roaders. They may steer you to a reputable rear end rebuilder since they are known for having rear end gear ratios changed.

Post where you are located and someone may have a suggestion for rebuilder or source for a good used rear end in your area.

You might start a new post with a question like: "Are 56-57 Hudson and 56-57 Ambassador rear ends interchangeable?" If they are interchangeable that opens up a much larger source for rear ends. There were a whole lot more Ambassadors sold than 57 Hudsons.

Check with the HET Club Registrar for 57 Hudsons Paul Schuster. He may have a lead to a good rear end. Can't hurt to ask.

By the way, your 57 Hudson looks good. Probably gets a lot of thumbs up. Have you tried putting the front seat back down into a bed. My Dad had a 55 or 56 Ambassador and on vacation two grade school boys and Mom and Dad slept in the mobile motel. Lol

I hope you will post some pictures of your car and let us know when you have it back on the road. I wish you success in your search

Lee O'Dell

I don't know why this message is being duplicated. I can not remove the duplicate. Sorry.

Lee ODell

Well the duplicate didn't post after all.
Lee

SkyDad

Thank you kindly for the advice, Lee. I purchased this 57 Hornet Super just two months ago (was actually in the market for a 68 Mustang, but came across this car and just couldn't stop researching and became quite attached quickly). The car has a great history. Some of you may know of the late Bill Lassitter. BIll owned over 40 Hudson's at one point and had them displayed in front of his service station in Newnan, Ga. Bill was a very dedicated member of the Dixie Chapter of HET for many years. Long story short, Bill had passed in early 2000, and all of his cars were sold off, except for his favorite...the 57 Hudson. It was the only Hudson he purchased brand new and he took incredible care of the car, always pulling it into the station if it rained. The car stayed with his daughter for 7 years but she decided to give it to his head mechanic in 2007 (registration never was changed over). He was not able to provide adequate storage for the car so it sat under a car cover for an additional 7 years in his front yard. He decided to sell it and I have every intention of getting this car back to the way it looked the day it rolled off the assembly line at some point. I live north of Atlanta, Ga. Here are some pics as you requested. I have yet to drive the car but it does fire up. Interior is a bit rough, but I'm not in a major hurry to update the interior until I get all the major mechanical stuff out of the way. I thoroughly enjoy the learning process, and this discussion board has been my saving grace. I found this site before I purchased the car. It may have been the final factor in the decision and you guys have never disappointed. Incredible passion for these cars, and it just makes me want to keep my head down and moving forward on the overhaul. One day at a time!

SkyDad

I never answered your question about the folding front "bed" seat! Unfortunately, this car has been 8 feet in the air since 9/16, and I occasionally forget what the car even looks like at ground level! It was towed directly to a service station. So, basically I haven't reclined a seat or even rolled a window down yet.

I did find a WWII bayonet in that box in the trunk. I was able to have the bayonet (which belonged to Bill from a M1 rifle) returned to his family. They said they had not seen it in years and thought it was lost forever.

If you notice on the front passenger side windshield, a HET membership sticker. That is how I found this discussion board and joined the HET club. Replacing that exact sticker (which I know are available on the site) will be the very last piece of the makeover.

Lee ODell

Thanks for sharing the photos and interesting history Mike. Good find.
Lee O'Dell

SkyDad

Thank you for asking, Lee. I think we all enjoy chatting about our cars/trucks. Enjoy the day!