[BRONCOMAN]

I have a 1980 full size bronco with a 9" rear axle. The seals were leaking grease and went to replace the seals and bearings, my problem is the metal backing plate gaskets that it calls for will not fit. The axle appears to have the large bearing but the axle tubes have the small 3/8 bolts at the flanges. Neather backing plate steel gasket will match up to the bolt holes. Is this an odd ball year or is somthing else not right. The bearings have been replaced several years ago and i believe they were the one peice type the ones that are on it now are tapered and have a separate race that pressed into the axle. Any advice or tips on keeping them sealed would be great.
:banghead

 

[Zebrafive]

Take the axles to an autoparts store that has a machine shop. They should be able to sell and install the right bearings and seals on your axles. I have used NAPA, they have a seal kit with seal, bearing and the bearing retainer. I do not remember any gasket for the axle retainer, you will reuse the axle retainer.