Re: [ihc] help needed rebuilding front axle - diff removal - getting long

[David Nedved <david_nedved@xxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks James,

I got the diff out later that night.  I was going to make a spreader
out of some scrap structural steel, but then I realized that unless I
designed an entire new type of spreader, I'd have to take the axle out
to use it since one of the holes that the spreader uses is right over
the front passenger side spring.  So much for that.  Ended up getting
it out using a piece of 1" webbing around the diff and around a crowbar
thanks an idea that Tom gave me, then used the front of the frame (I
don't have a front bumper) as a fulcrum.  Came right out.

I've got a dead blow hammer, but it's only a pound, so I might need a
bigger one to get the diff back in once I get the seals taken care of.

> I am right now re-dooing my entire suspension. The old ubolts were
> bent, the spring plates smashed, one had even 
> cracked in two. Anyway I had to straighten out a ubolt by using a
> deep impact socket with an impact extension using my 
> foot. I used an impact wrench on all the nuts. One nut stripped out
> and just spun. I cracked the grade 8 nut using a 
> Sears Craftsman nut cracker, and then a chisle as a wedge; it came
> right off.

Sounds like fun.  I had actually planned on redoing the entire
suspension also this winter, but had planned on having enough money
(and a working truck) to get an air compressor and an impact wrench
first.  I guess I just need a second scout for when one of them is out
of commision :)

> > Not to mention it will probably require tearing the knuckles down,
> > which I'm trying to avoid.
> 
> Might as well do the whole thing. How are the ball joints?

I honestly don't know.  They're a bit stiff just moving them with my
hands, but hadn't noticed anything abnormal driving the scout.  I
didn't really know what all parts I needed when I orderred, so I was
asking the guy on the phone what all I would need to rebuild the entire
axle.  I now realize I don't have any parts for the input side of the
diff.  I'm not even planning on taking the pinion gear out, so my goal
of having a completely rebuilt axle is sort of shot already along with
my budget for Scout parts.

I guess I should just look at it as good experience.  I'm trying to
build the truck up more anyway, and since I know I don't want 3.08
gears with open diffs any longer than necessary, I know I'll either
have the axle open several more times in the future, or end up buying a
different axle.  I know that there's still the pinion side I've
ignored, the universal joints, and the ball joints.  It cost me $150
just for the seals and bearings I orderred... must be another $150 at
least to get the parts I missed the first time.  And that's just the
front axle :(
 I think I'm going to stop worrying about it and just get it back
together ASAP with the new bearings and seals.

Thanks for the help!

David

=====
david_nedved@domain.elided

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