8 3/4 axle shafts and housing restoration questions

[Rocket]

I took my 8 3/4 rear apart and noticed the bearings were shot and the metal retaining ring holding the bearing in place was worn and also scratched the housing tube as well. Does the axle bearing and metal retaining ring ride on replacable inserts? If yes how are they removed? If not can the housing be sanded or machined down and the metal retaining ring be sanded as well or do they need replacing? Are replacement retaining rings available? What is the best way to remove the retaining ring and bearing assembly? Also what is the best way to remove the pressed in axle seal to avoid damaging the housing tubes?

Thanks

 

[Ace]

The bearing is pressed on the axle and should come right out with it. If it is shot so bad the housing is damaged, then you're in new territory, as far as I know. Sounds like you're lucky it didn't come out on the road somewhere. Must've been been making a terrible racket.

 

[SGBARRACUDA]

If the bearing housing is out of round or distorted, your going to have to replace the housing ends. You can buy them new, but you have to grind the welds off that hold the old ones to the tubes.