Differential/axle questions?

[cougar9150]

Well I just found out I have 2 bent axles (on going problems from a accident months ago). I haven't actually opened up the carrier so I do not know if the diff would be bad or not. What would the thought be on this? I have been riding around with them like this for 3-4 months if not longer and I have a 32 mile commute each way everyday. Would this have caused any damage to the insides or would the diff be fine (also have about 70k miles). Axles are bent outside the bearings, no leaking on the ends, or grinding in the axle housing.
Is just replacing the axles with OEM or Dorman pieces worth it if I plan on doing more work to her? Would it be better to go w/aftermarket 28 splines (Moser ?) or should I just do the whole 31 spline upgrade? I have already talked to a couple people locally and have heard different opinions. I just need input as to what the pro's and cons of doing one vs the other would be.
Thanks for any help or info you guys can provide.

[cougar9150]

What 60 views and no one? :confused: Never had this happen before where people didn't want to share their opinions with me.
I've decided to do the full job, and it can't hurt it to drive it anymore than I already have, I'm replacing everthing anyway. Now if any one has an opinion on the type of Diff to go with (31 spline-if you got to fix it might as well upgrade it). I noticed alot of people like this Detriot Tru Trac (or something like that). Why is the helical gear system better than the clutch type system?
Also does anyone have the dimesions for the driveshafts or do I need to go to a shop have them pulled and measured? I'm going to call Moser today and see if they have our dimensions on file. $315 plus shipping seems like a good deal to me unless anyone can recommend another type they have had better luck with.
Hope someone has some answers this time

[O's Fan Rich]

Is your car stock? Then just get the stock replacements.

I have an eaton lsd 4:10's stock axles and a CV Police drive shaft
anything else you want to know?

[Aren Jay]

Replace what you think might be broken, and if it isn't sell it. If it is, you can be happy knowing that what you have is not broken.

[JimmyXR7]

Well I just found out I have 2 bent axles (on going problems from a accident months ago). I haven't actually opened up the carrier so I do not know if the diff would be bad or not. What would the thought be on this? . . Axles are bent outside the bearings, no leaking on the ends, or grinding in the axle housing. . . .
Thanks for any help or info you guys can provide.

I had a '69 cougar convertible, hit hard in the rear wheel/axle. The Frame specialist showed me where the suspension was tweaked. The insurance would not pay for the inspection, so my dad paid for the inspection. the insurance finally paid for the new suspension pieces in addition to the other damage.

So, I would have a Frame specialist look at it. Later, if you have to hit thebrakes hard, you will be glad it was fixed right and not send your MM into an uncontrolled spin!
Jim

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

How can your axle shafts be bent but the housing be straight? If your housing is suspect, I would throw the whole thing out and get a donor complete rear end assy

[cougar9150]

The axles are bent near the hubs is what the mechanic said. I'm not sure myself, I'm just your average New England bred shade tree mechanic. I'll be bringing it to another shop that specializes in rear ends in the Clearwater area. I'm going to have them take a look at it and see what they think.
I'm still leaning towards the total rebuild with the Detriot Truetrac diff 913A561, 31 spline axles, girdle, and 4.10 gears. I just know that way when I start taking regular trips to the track and began building more power I won't have to worry about the rear end being the weak link. (build from the rear forward is my motto now)
I went through this on my cougar when I swapped from the stock 3.8L V6 to a 5.0 motor. I upgraded the rear end and other component with stock V8 pieces at the same time but started breaking things all the time because I made more power than what the stock components were capable of handling due to excessivly hard launches (IRS rear ends do not like that) and constantly driving like it was a stolen rental.
The only way I will not do the whole upgrade is if when they pull it apart everthing looks completely Kosher. Then it will be stock axles and 4.10 gears (wife is pushing for this version :()

[Bradley G]

I would keep it stock at the power level you're at.
There are lots of things that will enhance your Marauder that you can spend.

[cougar9150]

Thats what is happening. Other things have happened now that require that I keep it stock. I'm only going to replace the stock axles, all the bearings/seals and install my 4.10's. I'll have to wait a month or so until I can get it tuned though since the Diablo Predator tuner I have doesn't support that on our cars (bastards say it does and it doesn't. Should have bought an SCT).
I still wanted to upgarde eveything to prepare it for the future.