How do I clean and restore my axle housing and carrier?

[Gumby]

I have an original 489 case and drum-to-drum rear end that I'd like to clean and re-coat with a rust protective coating before I sell it. How do I properly do this without accidentally destroying it? I've been told not to use a wire brush when I was cleaning my steering knuckles before I sold those and I don't know why.

 

[rklein71]

I don’t think you have anything to gain cleaning it up. Purists will redo anything you have done. Others will just wire brush it and hit it with a rattle can.

 

[Katfish]

I agree, leave it alone

 

[Ronbo73]

Yes I agree with Katfish and rklein71. Don't waste any time refinishing it.

 

[Cuda Hunter]

Should be low abrasive media blasted, primed and painted with a proper gun.

 

[moparlee]

Should be low abrasive media blasted, primed and painted with a proper gun.

Only if he is going to keep it. Don't think it is worth it for re-sale.

 

[Cuda Hunter]

I do agree with that.
I'd spray wash it real good and degrease the outside and call it good.
Maybe spread some evaporust on the rusty looking areas for a little while before and after degreasing.

 

[Gumby]

I do agree with that.
I'd spray wash it real good and degrease the outside and call it good.
Maybe spread some evaporust on the rusty looking areas for a little while before and after degreasing.

Why evaporust before the degreasing? And how do I use evaporust on certain areas without soaking the entire rear end in some giant bathtub of evaporust?

 

[Cuda Hunter]

I would just dissolve some of the rust before I get grease all over the rust.
Makes it easier to remove. Not soak it totally but apply multiple times to take off some of the rust.
That's if your not going to wire wheel or sand or abbrasive remove the rust.
If you just spray over the rust it will reappear under your paint and bubble.

 

[cuda joe]

I;m always leary of buying some thing when it;s been freshly painted leave it alone