[peters23]

I am rebuilding this rear end, and also adding a 5 x 4.75" bolt pattern as used on Chevy/GM.

The early 9.3 rear ends (56 + 57) did not have separate oil seals at the axles, but relied on the axle bearing seal plus an O-ring around the bearing. The original bearings had the seal on the outside, and were fully open in the inner side.

They also (on my 57, likely 56) had a sheet metal oil retention baffle system that consists of a stationary cone shaped metal piece on the axle housing and a rotating metal funnel on the back of the axle flange, held by the wheel stud heads. There are lots of gasket pieces between all components, likely NLA.

I expect that the intent of this system was for leaking oil to flow down the stationary cone and collect in the rotating funnel. Oil could be detected by removing the 2 bolts that secure the drum to the axle flange, one of which has a passageway into the funnel area. If not checked the oil would likely eventually fill the funnel area and spill out into the brake drum.

The newer bearings from Fabcraft have the oil seals on both sides, and I expect that these are spring loaded seals like the original, but now used on both sides. The new bearings also have the outer O-ring.

I am thinking of eliminating the oil collection pieces, and depending on the bearing seals. I would expect that if oil leaks out it would be similar to more modern axles, although not having that dedicated oil seal in the axle housing.

Does this seem like a reasonable plan?

[694.1]

Those oil collection pieces serve to keep the shoes dry should there be a leak. All those gaskets are available.
Do it once & you should be done?
8 years on my '57 & bone dry

[peters23]

Some tips on axle bearing and retaining collar removal: A die grinder with a 2" or so cutoff wheel makes quick work of this.
You do need to exercise care that you do not cut into the axle or other parts that you will want to reuse.

Start by cutting through the outer bearing shell on opposite sides, than do the ball retainer.
Then you have better access to the the retainer collar and inner race.
You can make these cuts at a slight angle as needed.
You do not need to cut all of the way through, try for around 90% then use a cold chisel to split the parts.

Note that the oil baffle/shield/deflector plates shown in my first post seem to have been used from 37-58, per the MPC. I would expect that newer bearing seals have improved since then.

The pic shows what are likely original 57 bearing (New Departure RW508) and new Fabcraft (MTP SE88508) bearing.