[ihc] RE: Braking the Codge-man

["Jim Grammer" <jgrammer@xxxxxxxxxx>]

>Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 10:01:05 -0700
>From: "Roger L. Waggener Sr." <crusty@domain.elided>
>Subject: [ihc] Oh Oh

>While doing a rear brake job on our 79 Scout I noticed that the driver's
>side axle has between 1/16 and 1/8 inch end play. Other side none and no
>vertical play at all on either side.  Differentials are NOT my thing. Do
>I have a likely problem on the horizon?

Roger, you have arrived at the age-old 'semi-floating rear axle dilemma'.
The axle is free to slide in the diff side gears, so this is strictly a
wheel bearing issue(assuming that the bearing retainer plate is tight and
undamaged. On the one hand, things might be fine. 1/16" end play isn't
terribly unusual for a worn-in wheel bearing. On the other hand, the
consequences of having a wheel bearing failure can involve the rear wheel
and axle shaft passing you on the highway, with the axle housing scraping
merrily down the road.

The important thing is to *know* for sure that there's a Timken Set10(only!)
bearing on each axle shaft, and that it's getting lubed(grease if using the
axle inner seal, oil from the diff if not. AZ carries the Timken's, they are
$20 each and come with the retaining collar(holds the bearing on the axle).
I and others prefer the CR outer seals for this application, CSK carries
those for about $9 each IIRC. If there is any question about the sealing
surface on the axle, a Speedi-sleeve(AKA ready sleeve in NAPA parlance) is
available to press on the axle and provide a fresh seal surface.

With the axle shafts out, you need to clean the axle tubes out. A big washer
welded to a rod works good. Gotta change the diff fluid as well, which is a
perfect time to change the diff cover to one with a higher fill plug. SII's
have about the lowest fill plug location out there for a D44. Even a run of
the mill GM or Dodge cover will let you fill the diff more(good for the
bearings), A Ford Bronco high pinion front 44 has a *real* high plug, just
don't be tempted to fill it all the way, or the axle tubes will be full of
juice. I went higher than I prolly should have in mine, and the seal leaked
even though the  axle was nice and smooth.

>Also I might add - AutoZone
>messed up a drum that was almost on the limit anyway - they cut a 3/8
>wide groove about .015 deep- how hard are drums to come by.  I used it
>anyway but it's questionable.

Drums are readily available. I'd prolly say something like 'so when will my
free replacement be here' with a smile, then dicker for wholesale so they
can make good on the mistake.

>It'll soon be time for rotors- they quoted me $50 and change. Is that
>good / bad or just ugly?  Mine are warped and missing a stud on each. I
>haven't measured them ( major lack of a mic) but expect there're about
>to the limit also.

Not a bad price.

Jim