I'm needing to tow a couple of 64's that have the third member (hogshead) already out. The axels are back in and bolted. I was talking to a friend of mine recently and he was telling me that those bearings are self sealed and towing them this way with no gear oil in there would be no problem. I'm looking for additional opinions. The cars will be towed about 45 miles at speeds up to 55.

Any info would be appreciated.

Bill

The rear axle bearings on a 1964 were lubricated from the differential oil. If the normal coating of oil is caught in the bearingss a 50 mile tow will be no problem
The rolling ball requires very little lubrication. I would be more concerned about the unsupported inner ends of the axle shafts flopping around in the banjo housing.

I agree with Gene I would also be concerned about the unsupported axles and the chance of one of the axles coming loose from the bearing. I know of instances where the bearings got loose under normal usage even though they were pressed on.

DD

Appreciate the replies. I got the problem solved as I found someone who can carry one on the truck and tow the other on a trailer. This way all 4 axels will be off the ground. But I'm glad to get the info provided for future reference. Of all the 40 years I've been foolin' with Chevys, I never had to haul one without a hogshead.

Bill

Bill,
I think it would be too risky because of the tendancy of the axles to wobble and perhaps wipe out the bearings. If an axle came loose from the bearing, it could move outward and take out a quarter panel.
I'd suggest installing a 3rd member.

Verne

Why not tow it with the front down and the wheel tied off?
John

Verne, Appreciate the info.

John, These particular cars also have no steering columns, therefore no way to tie them off. But as mentioned above, we will be now hauling them with all 4 axels off the ground.

Thanks y'all.

Bill