71 or 79 rear better?

[Yoda]

I have 2 rear axle assy's for my cruiser, 71 & 79. I'm going to convert 1 to disk brakes for my cruiser. Which is the better to upgrade? Better bearings, seals, or what? They are both the 4 wheel cylinder design (for now).

 

[CruisinGA]

the only difference that I know of is the gear ratio in the pumpkins. (79=3.70, 71=4.10)
Another possible difference could be size of the studs that mount the third member.

Other than that, I believe they are exactly the same.

 

[Rice]

... and the pinion flange is different. Small bolt pattern on the 71.

 

[pygpen]

there were two versions of shafts also. one had a bearing race that is pressed on, and the other used the shaft as the race. the latter looks much more beefy.
maybe someone knows the cutoff date for the differing axles?
PMK
just to add, they are interchangable.....

 

[3_puppies]

is the 79 pinion fine spline? versus coarse on the 71

 

[CruisinGA]

the 79 is fine spline, but 3.70 gears.

 

[beanz2]

there were two versions of shafts also. one had a bearing race that is pressed on, and the other used the shaft as the race. the latter looks much more beefy.
maybe someone knows the cutoff date for the differing axles?
PMK
just to add, they are interchangable.....

Sept. 73 I think

Dave

 

[Yoda]

Either way I'm using the 4.10 pumpkin. The axle/bearing info is what I'm after.

So, the early and late shafts are interchangable? The bearings are specific to the housing and the 79 is the better bearing?

Anyone have pix of the bearings?