driveshaft and rear wheels turn hard

[Doogster]

Hi guys...hopefully I won't sound too stupid, as I'm no mechanic.
I just pick up a 72 340 Duster. When moving it in the yard, the rear brakes felt seized, got itinto the garage, removed the drums, but the wheels and driveshaft are still very hard to turn. Is this a tranny issue, or is it caused by the car sitting for awhile?

 

[chasduster]

is it a posi unit....make sure it is in neutral..what rear end..here is a pic..Iknow if it is a posi and it has been sitting awhile it will stick together...The clutches and plates

 

[Doogster]

Oh sorry...8 3/4 posi...it has an aftermarket ratchet shifter as well..wondering ifit could be an improper install.

 

[chasduster]

Does it run and move... did you have to tow it in the garage......even if it was new I don;t think it will turn that easy....someone else may have to chime in here on this...If you just installed the shifter and the cable linkage...and it will not move when it is running you may have it stuck in between 2 gears that will feel like the rear or trans is locked up...re adjust shifter

 

[Doogster]

It runs and moves...but I've only had a chance to yard drive it...like I had said..it felt like a rear break had seized...just a bit sluggish at low rpms

 

[chasduster]

It runs and moves...but I've only had a chance to yard drive it...like I had said..it felt like a rear break had seized...just a bit sluggish at low rpms

..well it is a posi and it takes more power to move than an open rear...just double check and make sure when the shfiter in in low, pull the cable off the trans and make sure that the trans snapped into low...and do the same in park....make sure you block the wheels

 

[cosgig]

If it's been sitting for a while, the outer axle bearings could be seized/tight from sitting, moisture, no grease, old grease. I just took apart an 8 3/4 and the outer bearings were rusty and extremely hard to turn, caused by bad seals and old grease. Like chasduster also mentioned, that suregrip could be stuck also from non-use!! Good luck with your project, Geof

 

[Doogster]

Thanks guys!