Question - Axle Gaskets

[JWH]

My project continues removing the Lincoln Versailles disc brakes and converting back to the 10 X 2 1/2" drums. I have searched and searched for the correct size axle gaskets and come up empty. I am almost certain the inside diameter of the gasket for our early '66 GT350 should be 2 7/8". I had a gasket that I bought a LONG time ago in storage with a NAPA part number J 26568 that was perfect. My old school NAPA parts guy Troy could not find that gasket but cross referenced to a Fel-Pro gasket part number 4828. The bolt holes line up on the newer 4828 but as you can see in the picture, the inside diameter is larger. I measure 3 1/8" ID on the newer blue gasket.
      Does anyone have a source and part number for a gasket with a 2 7/8" Inside Diameter? Will this new 4828 gasket seal just fine even with the larger ID?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts on this.
Jeff

[JWH]

After more searching today, I believe I have found the correct gaskets offered by Autokrafters:

https://autokrafters.com/backing-plate-to-retainer-gasket-65-70-ford-mustang-63-70-falcon-63-68-comet-more-small-bearing-8a-or-9a-rear-ak1016/?searchid=0

From their part description:
This is the backing plate to retainer gasket with a 2-7/8" I.D. center hole, for small-bearing 8" or 9" rear. Requires 2.

[s2ms]

Jeff,

The Ford MPC calls for A8AZ-1001-A which is listed at 2-7/8", there are some on ebay at the moment. Think the Felpro 55001 should work?

Dave

[JWH]

Hi Dave, yes the 55001 is easy to find. The 55001 is the gasket in my picture that has the semi-circle notch in the lower part of the gasket.
      The second gasket with no notch is the one I am having trouble finding. It seems Fel-Pro does not make this gasket. At least I can't find it.

[s2ms]

Hi Jeff,

The Ford A8AZ-1001-A gasket also has the notch, I thought that was the correct style, I know it's what I used on my 66. The MPC's show it as correct for all 65-68 V8 Mustangs, although the 60-68 MPC lists it as 2-7/8" ID while the 65-72 MPC shows it as 2-15/16".

The backing plate gasket is Ford C1AZ-1001-A, Mahle J26568 is another direct replacement.

Dave

[CharlesTurner]

If I remember right, these can be bought through rockauto, maybe it was victor-reinz brand that was dark gray/black.  The fel-pro blue ones will work, but the color isn't like original.

[CSX4781]

Virginia Classic Mustang, M140 for the bearing retainer gasket and M141 for the backing plate to axle housing gasket. These work with all of the small bearing axle housings, which all of the 1965-70 (and maybe the 1971-73) Mustangs are. Hope this helps.

Dave

[JWH]

Charles, the old gaskets that I had in storage were sold by NAPA but were made by Victor Reinz. But searching the Victor Reinz website, I am confident that they do not make this gasket any longer. However, doing a search using the NAPA/Victor Reinz part number of J 26568, I discovered that this gasket is now manufactured by Mahle with the same part number J 26568. The local Autozone is able to order these and I can pick up Monday morning. I will report back if these are the correct size and part.

Dave, I try and order everything I can from Virginia Mustang so thank you for the tip. I do wish they listed the Inner Diameter of these gaskets on their website. If Autozone comes through, Brant doesn't need to mess with a $6 order and I won't have to wait a week for the gaskets to get delivered. But great to know this is a source and thanks for confirming they are for the small bearing axle.
Jeff

[JWH]

To close out this thread, Autozone came through with the gaskets. You will need to ask them to order Mahle brand gasket part #J26568. The Inner Diameter is 2 7/8". These are a little less than $3.00 each and no shipping. (Many parts houses now have a minimum order and shipping is often more than the parts.)
      I also saw these Mahle gaskets listed at Carid.com and autohausaz.com. And I believe Virginia Mustang stocks this size gasket also but confirm the Inner Diameter when ordering.

[pbf777]

   

To close out this thread . . . . . .

    Well...........let me provide this thought:

    Yeah I know, it's really not what the O.P. inquired of, other than by extension whether or not if one really needs to even go looking for 'em; so what is the purpose of this gasket, what function does it provide and is it really needed? 

    Scott.
   

[Brant]

https://www.virginiaclassicmustang.com/65-73-REAR-AXLE-BEARING-RETAINER-GASKET-M140-V8-MODELS-P517.aspx

https://www.virginiaclassicmustang.com/65-73-REAR-AXLE-TO-BACKING-PLATE-GASKET-M141-V8-MODELS-P518.aspx

[FL SAAC]

https://www.virginiaclassicmustang.com/65-73-REAR-AXLE-BEARING-RETAINER-GASKET-M140-V8-MODELS-P517.aspx

https://www.virginiaclassicmustang.com/65-73-REAR-AXLE-TO-BACKING-PLATE-GASKET-M141-V8-MODELS-P518.aspx

Thanks for posting we will need two soon and the rear cover gasket also for our 66 Cult Car

[JWH]

Scott, I've been told by a very experienced drive train shop the inside gasket between the axle flange and the backing plate is a must. The owner of the shop strongly recommends Permatex #2 on both sides of this gasket.
    He said the outer gasket is not as important and that many don't install this one.
      I installed both inner and outer. I figure if Ford installed both, I should also.
Jeff

[pbf777]

. . . . . . the inside gasket between the axle flange and the backing plate is a must.
 . . . . . . the outer gasket is not as important and that many don't install this one.

    I do have my own opinion on the subject, but I don't want to lead the conversation, rather it's more interesting to explore the thoughts of others and the purpose of my posting was to perhaps excite some original thought into the subject of just what useful purpose does "the", but since you brought it up, "either" gasket perform? 

    B.T.W. : 

https://www.virginiaclassicmustang.com/65-73-REAR-AXLE-BEARING-RETAINER-GASKET-M140-V8-MODELS-P517.aspx

https://www.virginiaclassicmustang.com/65-73-REAR-AXLE-TO-BACKING-PLATE-GASKET-M141-V8-MODELS-P518.aspx

    Though the copy-paste process was correct, in reality if considering the functionality engineering intention, this solely of the gasket design, not the idea in its' entirety, one of these gaskets is wrong if only for fluid control and routing reasoning.   

     So think about it; if only because you just don't want to follow the rest of lemming off the cliff!   

    Scott.